Neighborhood uprising over Northeast Philadelphia sex club

NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Saints and Sinners bills itself as Philadelphia's premier adult playground. But now a community in the Northeast is trying to shut it down before the doors even open.

The business is planning to open up a second location in the city on the 8800 block of Frankford Avenue in Holmesburg.

Community leaders say they found out just last Thursday that the business was coming to the neighborhood, and opening its doors in mid-April. So now, they're trying to organize their resistance.

Gail Fluharty, leader of the Homeowners Association of Pennypack Woods, tells us, "I'm scared that it would bring undesirables around. I'm afraid of the different activities it can bring."

Fluharty is upset about the transformation of the old Rosewood Inn catering and event center into what the new owners are billing as "Saints and Sinners - Philly's premier adult playground". Their motto: "I'd rather run with the sinners than walk with the saints."

The business is situated along the old established Pennypack Woods community. Grand opening is set for April 16th.

Fluharty says, "We have a lot of children, we have two elementary schools, we have another playground - a child's playground - right across the street. I mean, it's very upsetting to our whole neighborhood."

The business will be a private admission club, open just a few days and overnights per week.

The owners of Saints and Sinners also operate an "adult playground" on Emery Street in Port Richmond. It sits right under I-95, adjacent to the 2500 block of Salmon Street.

The neighbors near the Port Richmond location say they're used to it.

Patti Wolf says, "You don't even know they're there. The noise - there is none. The trash - there is none. The parking is under the highway. They don't bother nobody - never have."

Interior renovations of the old Rosewood Inn have now been shut down by the Department of Licenses and Inspections, saying the owners don't have the proper permits. The department also says the business does not have the permits necessary to open the club.

That work stoppage may delay the club's scheduled opening.

In addition, sources tell Action News that City Councilman Bobby Henson will be helping to organize community meetings aimed, it appears, at blocking the opening of Saints and Sinners.

The owners of Saints and Sinners have not returned our phone calls or emails.