Video poker up for vote in Chickamauga

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. — A businessman seeking to open a video poker parlor in this city that promotes its Civil War heritage will find out tonight if he’s a winner.

The Chickamauga City Council first di\scussed Ronald Cline Jr.’s request to open a video poker business in February.

Tonight, they are expected to approve conditionally Mr. Cline’s request.

“I don’t like it, but we can’t deny him the right to operate,” City Manager John Culpepper said when the matter first was brought to the council’s attention. “So long as they operate legally, state law allows it.”

State laws related to adult bookstores would apply. The video gaming must be part of another operation — in this case the game room also would sell clothing — and generate no more than half the business’ revenue.

The business would occupy the former site of Penland Realty at the intersection of Lee Avenue and Gordon Street.

“You can’t deny it (a license) just because you don’t like the operation,” Commissioner Mark Askew said during last month’s discussion. “Would they meet our zoning ordinances?”

A city ordinance bans alcohol sales within 300 feet of a church or school. The site complies, records show.

The city planning commission reviewed the request Feb. 19 and recommended against allowing the business to operate in downtown Chickamauga, but state law will overrule the commission’s decision, Mr. Culpepper said.

“Main objections are that this runs counter to the historic preservation of the downtown area,” he said. “If this were out by (state Highway) 27, there would be no problem.

“Nobody wants it, but as long as he is in compliance and has a state license, our hands are tied,” Mr. Culpepper said.