A judge upheld a decision to bar former strip club owner Donald Klunk from his building, saying he must first obtain Lower Windsor Township officials' "blessing" to operate any business.

Klunk will remain locked out of the defunct Cashmere Social Club with a one-time exception for a move-out at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, Common Pleas Judge Sheryl Ann Dorney said Thursday.

Klunk appeared before Dorney hoping to have locks removed from the building at 4645 East Prospect Road in Lower Windsor Township. But Dorney refused, saying doors will remain locked. A key will be provided to a township representative who would accompany
Realtors showing the building to potential buyers; Klunk is asking $2.5 million.

Dorney told Klunk she couldn't trust him to do the right thing because he "lied" about goings-on at the club when he violated a court order forbidding nude dancing.

Township costs: Dorney also ordered Klunk to pay about $13,150 in the township's attorney's fees stemming from court proceedings.

Klunk said after the hearing that he's unemployed and buried in debt. While he holds a valid permit from the township to operate a business, he will be unable to do so without the township's permission, which could take a month or more.

Dorney ordered Klunk last July to stop showcasing nude women, but allowed him to continue running a business.

In November, she ruled that Klunk violated the order and ordered him to spend 14 days in jail.

His costs:

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The building has been locked ever since; Klunk said he continues paying property taxes, $15,000 annually, utilities and a mortgage.

Klunk could operate a bingo hall, pool hall or a dance club, albeit alcohol free, under current zoning rules. At this point, he says he needs to do something to stay afloat financially while he appeals the initial ruling that put him out of business.

He argues that the township changed zoning after he obtained approval for a social club, and he should be allowed to operate the club.

The township contends that a strip club doesn't meet the definition of a social club.

-- Reach Kathy Stevens at 505-5437 or kstevens@yorkdispatch.com.