NEDERLAND, Texas — Owners of the Texas Poker Club in Beaumont want to expand to Mid-County, adding a location on Nederland Avenue.
Community members gathered at Monday's city council meeting and were not ready to make a call on the request.
The meeting included concerns of parking, safety and revenue.
June Burnaman lives near the corner of South 35th Street and Nederland Avenue, where the proposed private poker club would be located.
"This is a small town, we need don't need to bring in gambling to Nederland," Burnaman said.
Mayor Don Albanese had questions for the owners himself and admits the idea is new for this community.
"When you say Poker Club, that's kind of scary and it's something new for the city," Albanese said.
The city says there are 26 parking spots for the building being looked at, which would be shared among the club and two other businesses that already occupy it.
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"It's going to be hard for cars coming and going to get through there and I just don't feel this is a proper place for it," Burnaman said.
In Beaumont, Texas Poker Club operates in a similar location on Highway 105, partnering with neighboring businesses to utilize parking at night.
Club owner Dan Mulvaney said some Mid-County people come to the Beaumont location already, and are excited about the idea of having a club closer to home.
"Really haven't had any issues. Most guys just come in, some every day and some once a month, and it's just like a little family in here," Mulvaney said.
The club is open from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., which some in attendance on Monday said was another concern.
"Safety is something to think about because you just don't know," Burnaman said. "Who's to say that they won't get robbed?"
Texas Poker Club opened in Beaumont, August 2018, and has more than 400 members according to Mulvaney.
State law prohibits the use of gambling, but because this club is private and doesn't profit off the pot, it's legal.
The club uses membership fees to make revenue and Mulvaney says it simply serves as a place for people to play cards, like you'd see at a bowling alley.
Despite the public push back on Monday, Mulvaney isn't looking to fold.
"There's a market for it, for a legal game and that's what we want to bring," said Mulvaney. "A way for people to play poker in a fun, safe environment, we're trying to bring something cool to Nederland."
Texas Poker Club is requesting a specific-use permit, which city leaders say can add special terms for a business.
That will be talked about during a public Planning and Zoning meeting at 1903 Atlanta Avenue, Tuesday night, beginning at 5 p.m.
"We'll be discussing this quite a bit because I know the concern of these citizens," said Albanese.
Mulvaney tells 12News the club would be flexible with making changes, including its hours of operation.
Mayor Albanese says the city will make a final decision on the request, October 28.
