Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 23 February 2001 — Page 2

PAGE A2

tHE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23,2001

House committee approves Porter bill in favor of charter schools

(AP) — The implementation of a charter school program is one step closer to becoming a reality for Indiana school corporations. The House Committee on Education approved House Bill 2102, authored by State Rep. Gregory Porter, D-Indianapolis, which would allow a school corporation to issue a charter to a non-profit organizer to establish a charter school. The bill isexpected to move on the full House of Representa-

tives now for consideration.

"There are benefits to having charter schools as a part of the public school system,” said Porter. “Charter schools are one way to expand options and parental choice

within public schools.”

MECCA Continued from A1

***** Regulators are taking steps to reclaim unused phone numbers to ease the state’s dwindling supply of available numbers. The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission said that it plans to reclaim numbers that have not been activated or are not being used, according to an agency news re-

lease.

The commission is also asking utilities for proof that prefix codes have been activated or that assignment of the numbers is under way. Phone companies have six months to activate a prefix or return it for use by other carriers. The recovery of numbers is beginning in Indiana'scongested 219 area code, which covers the northern one-third of the state. An estimated 30,000 numbers may be obtained in that region. In central and southern Indiana, another 190.000 numbers could be freed up, the news release said. The commission continues to study the number shortage in the 219 area code-. Even with number rationing, officials estimate that all available numbers there will be exhausted by early 2003. One solution under consideration is splitting the 219 region into two service areas and creating a new area code, the IURC said.

*****

The Indiana House has approved a bill that would replace the state's curfew law with a measure that includes exceptions for youths engaged in activities protected by the Constitution. The House voted 86-0 to pass the bill, which is designed to give police an enforceable curfew while federal courts continue to analyze the state’s existing law. The previous curfew was struck down last summer because it did not afford minors enough rights. The Senate passed an identical measure earlier. The revised legislation would permit exceptions for youths who are engaged in religious, free speech or assembly activities with the permission of their parents during late-night hours. Indiana’s curfew law made it illegal for youths under age IS to be in a public place without their parents after 11 p.m. or before 5 a.m. on any day of the week. The law for those between the ages of 15 and 17 differed only on weekends, when they were barred from being out between 1 a.m. and 5

a.m.

***** The House has approved a bill that would waive court fees for people seeking orders of protection and allow the enforcement of protective orders issued by other states. House members voted 93-0 to pass the bill, which eliminates filing fees for anyone seeking an order of protection. The measure also provides for protective orders issued out of state to be registered with Indiana authorities. Rep. Linda Lawson, DHammond, sponsored the bill. Sen. Murray Clark, R-Indianapolis, is seeking similar legislation in the Senate. Fewer than 20 states, including Indiana, require that domestic abuse victims pay fees for the orders. Indiana counties each decide how to administer the $100 fee, and some waive it.

men who are 25 and over. “From a numbers stand point we’re pleased,” said Marcel Bonds, one of 13 Mecca co-owners. “But, we don’t know if we’re doing so well because we’re the new thing.” Like designer clothes and popular music, the club industry is undeniably a business of trends and fads, which makes it hard for club owners to establish and sustain a hot club for an extended period of time. The average nightclub only stays open for a little over two years. It’s a tendency and test that Mecca representatives say they are conscious of and want to overcome. “We’re looking for longevity and the only way to get it is to keep our customers happy,” said Bonds. “One thing that helps us, is that we know African Americans love to party and we’re going to continue to party as long as music is good. That’s what we want to provide people with — a place for the Af-rican-American population to go out and have fun in a safe and unique environment.” Bonds said Mecca has a unique ability to attract and professionally host national recording artists on a regular basis. R&B star Carl Thomas and rappers Scarface and Juvenile have already performed at the club and 112 is scheduled to perform later. The idea of offering national stars for affordable prices, seems to be working just as it did at the owners’ previousclub—TheSugar Shack, which closed after 18 months as Indy’s premiere Afri-can-American nightclub. The Shack gained the reputation as the place to be, due in part to its downtown location and attraction of national acts. It was also the only Black business downtown that wasn’t located in Circle Centre mall at the time. Yet, the club owners never extended their lease on the location. “A lot of the other businesses, like Hollywood Bar & Filmworks really didn’t want us down there,”

said Bonds. “Some of the other businesses, were nervous because they just weren’t used to 1,000 people in the middle of the street at three in the morning when the club closed. “With all of the pressures from some of the other business owners, we just felt that it would be better if we looked at owning are own building and moving away from the downtown area,” he added. “We’re in the best location we can be now and we own it,” he said. Still, Bonds added that the club business is a risky business based on hefty investments, forecasting, and client satisfaction and behavior. Countless factors including red tape and politics play into opening and operating a nightclub. For example, it is impossible for an entrepreneur to open a club without a liquor license, which aren’t currently being issued by Indianapolis. The city can only issue a specific number of licenses based on the city’s population. Consequently, owners are forced to attempt to buy licenses from other owners for anywhere between $10,000 and $100,000. Entrepreneurs must also get permission from nearby businesses and the local neighborhood association to open a club in the community. “There have been instances where potential dub owners have purchased a license and purchased and renovated their place, only to be blocked by the neighborhood,” said Bonds. “Then you’re stuck.” He said, “It’s important for nightclubs to work well with its surrounding community. We’ve been really involved in forming alliances to build up the neighborhood association we’re located in.” There are even more business matters that go into keeping the doors of a profitable club open like balancing expenditures (supplies, staff, promotions, etc.) with nightly revenue. Some clubs spend yp to $3,000a night, hoping to just match it in earnings. Some clubsjjpn’t

and that’s why they end up closing. “As we all know it takes quite a while for a business to show any type of profit,” said Joe Smith, president of Mecca’s board of directors. “Any money that comes into the business serves as payment for all the money we invested

in it.”

The keenest entrepreneur still doesn’t have total control of the success of the club or more importantly the clientele in it. “You really can’t control how people are going to act, especially when you’re serving alcohol,” said Bonds. “All you can do is take preventative measures to defuse the situation as early as possible.” Mecca has an inside security staff of 15 and two to eight IPD officers patrolling outside. Violence in nightclubs is a contributing factor in how long the business will keep its doors open, not just because people tend not to go somewhere they don’t feel safe, but also because it’s bad for business. Every time the police are called to a club to address an altercation, an incident report is filed. When the liquor board reviews the club’s history for license renewal, they check the number and severity of incidents at the club. A large number of reports or a few violent ones can turn Indy’s hottest club into a “public nuisance.” Bonds said the majority of club closings derive from aspects of commerce. “I think more clubs close because of business practices,” said Bonds. “In any business if you don’t practice good business, you’re not going to be open.” “Then, sometimes a club can just run its course to where people aren’t coming out anymore,” said Bonds, “and from abusiness standpoint the owner decides to shut down before he loses money.” There are currently three major night clubs that cater to Blacks who are in their 20s—True Play az, The Barritz’ and Mecca."' 1 ' Radio One program director Tony Lamont, who has over 20

years of experience in the club business says, the risky entrepreneurial venture can also be a profitable one. “It’s definitely risky,” he said, “but the reason that you take that risk is because it’s just like any other business. It’s an entrepreneurial endeavor and you say I think I can do it. It makes good business when you consider how much money you have the possibility of making.” Lamont added that a nightclub’s social value to the city is inestimable. Business deals are done there. Friendships are established and relationships are ignited. “There’s a pride in having a place you can call your own,” said the former co-owner of Fitzgeralds. “There’s a pride in having somewhere you can go to have a good time without having any problems. When you leave that place, you’re leaving with a smile on your face and looking forward to doing the experience again. “Anytime you ha v e things like that in your life, it’s going to make life better,” he added. Bonds said the owners of Mecca have always enjoyed watching people have fun, and hope to be doing it for a long time. “For the most part when you come to Club Mecca everyone seems to be having a good time,” said Bonds. “It’s a good feeling to know that you've put out a product that people are enjoying and willing to come back for. That’s gratifying even before the money.” He said, “We’re really trying to establish longevity. I have an 8-year-old son and would love to see him own the club 15 years from now.” Only time will tell if Bonds’ son will join the group of Mecca owners or peers asking, “Where’s the party?” For more information or to offer suggestions to Club Mecca call (317) 920-5919.

no mi/' < f if• | • » ' *

•\ .',v'VjV

A Legendary Vibe.

For more

information call:

655-2276

Family Planning Clinics -Birth Control ServicesServica are provided at low cost or no cost, based on an Individual* Income.

Medical Exams ■ Annual Exam

■ Pap Smear ■ Breast Exam All forms of

birth control available. Pregnancy testing &

counseling.

Testing, treatment & counseling for infections. ■ urinary tract & vaginal infections ■ sexually transmitted infections

mm nun

IIMItK ssrs:

Funded with Title X. '■ through the Indiana ! • Faqilly Health | Council. Inc. .

fStSi

tit 'jamaaaagsaaa;

; 1 ' .w

|H m ft-.*'/

11 1 . iwyiwi t"" * : Inif lip a 1 'ji Ka'iiiais dt~ "' *

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER USPS 262-660 Published weekly by: The George P. Stewart Printing Co., Inc., P.O. Box 18499, 2901 N. Tacoma Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46218. Entered as Second Class Matter under Act of March 7,1870. Periodicals paid at Indianapolis, IN. POSTMASTER: Send address changesto: The Indianapolis Rocordor. P.O. Box 18499,2901 N. Tacoma Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46218. Subscription price by mail or carrier: $39 per year; $29 for 6 mos.,75 cents per copy. National advertising representative: Amalgamated Publishers Inc., 45 W. 45th St., New York, NY 10036. The National Newspaper Publishers Association, Central Indiana Publishers Association, Hoosier State Press Association. SUBSCRIBERS BY MAIL: We are not responsible for replacing issues missed due to change of address or late renewals. Please allow two weeks when placing a new subscription or change of address order. Call (317) 924-5143.

* -A K %■ 4 %p V A % J

# ~

. S25.000

Enjoy our quality responsibly • Visit croumroyal.com 02000 CROWN R0YAL»IMP0RTED IN THE BOTTLE •BLENDED CANADIAN WHISKY •40%ALC0HOL BY VOLUME (80 PROOF)* JOSEPH E SEAGRAM A SONS. NEW YORK, NY

m&r***4&M**&r, >• /• p •. .?.y ■ '- •

■ ■'*&*$** t+SMiki

A 1