City takes out temporary restraining order against Lost Dimensions

Received today from the city of Greensboro's public affairs department:

"The city of Greensboro obtained today a temporary restraining order (TRO) against Lost Dimensions and the Bares Den, an adjoining property, located at 510 Farragut St. in Greensboro.

"The TRO is the first step in a civil nuisance abatement case brought by the city of Greensboro on behalf of the state of North Carolina and prohibits any illegal activity on the property until a preliminary injunction hearing is held. The property is owned by Clarence Ray Jernigan and is operated by Sugar Bare Entertainment Inc. Darryl McCarroll, the corporate manager of Sugar Bare Entertainment Inc., is also a defendant in the lawsuit.

The city press release quotes Greensboro police Chief Tim Bellamy as saying, "The TRO is a result of a long-term investigation by the Greensboro Police Department. Where unlawful acts occur that threaten the health and safety of this community, GPD is committed to acting aggressively to resolve the matter.”

Bellamy is further quoted as saying, “In order for local law enforcement to fight crime effectively, we need many different tools. A nuisance action is a powerful tool we can use to eliminate problem establishments that consistently disregard the law.”

The press release continues:

"Possible outcomes could be the elimination of the nuisance and recovery of attorney’s fees by the City. Also, the court could close the businesses and prohibit similar businesses from opening at that location, and even prevent the owners from operating similar businesses anywhere in the state.

"The Greensboro Police Department has responded to a number of calls for service at this location, including fights, assaults and two fatal shootings, the most recent of which occurred in April 2009."