A motorcycle club with a history of members posting racist memes on social media is trying to move into Cudahy, and neighbors aren’t happy about it.
Nick Bellanti, a co-president of the club, says he regrets the posts.
“There was a foolish post years ago that I can see how people thought what it was, but that’s not me,” he said. “That’s not what I’m about. Far from it.”
The club has applied for an occupancy permit to a building near Packard and Pulaski.
Cudahy Alderman Justin Moralez calls the posts a deal-breaker.
“I can’t in good faith support anyone who has rallied that sentiment before,” Moralez said.
Moralez is on the planning commission that will decide whether to proceed with the permit.
There’s no liquor license involved. Bellanti says he pictures a “man cave” and a place to plan events.
“Yeah, we’re a motorcycle club but we’re just good guys hanging out,” he said. “That’s it.”
Nearby neighbors told CBS 58 they’ll have to see it to believe it.
Some parents said they want to keep the neighborhood family-oriented and are worried about the noise and potential danger a motorcycle club would bring.
Bellanti recognizes the uphill battle to improve his club’s image.
With that in mind, he says they’re doing a BMX bike giveaway for children, and the group plans to sponsor a local baseball team.
“Some people watch too much TV,” Bellanti said. “They think the worst of a motorcycle club. I’m a hardworking guy. I’ve raised two kids.”
He says the club will limit the noise by only parking their bikes on Packard. Bellanti says members will avoid the other side of the building that’s near the residential neighborhood.
The permit hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
USA -BN.
Nick Bellanti, a co-president of the club, says he regrets the posts.
“There was a foolish post years ago that I can see how people thought what it was, but that’s not me,” he said. “That’s not what I’m about. Far from it.”
The club has applied for an occupancy permit to a building near Packard and Pulaski.
Cudahy Alderman Justin Moralez calls the posts a deal-breaker.
“I can’t in good faith support anyone who has rallied that sentiment before,” Moralez said.
Moralez is on the planning commission that will decide whether to proceed with the permit.
There’s no liquor license involved. Bellanti says he pictures a “man cave” and a place to plan events.
“Yeah, we’re a motorcycle club but we’re just good guys hanging out,” he said. “That’s it.”
Nearby neighbors told CBS 58 they’ll have to see it to believe it.
Some parents said they want to keep the neighborhood family-oriented and are worried about the noise and potential danger a motorcycle club would bring.
Bellanti recognizes the uphill battle to improve his club’s image.
With that in mind, he says they’re doing a BMX bike giveaway for children, and the group plans to sponsor a local baseball team.
“Some people watch too much TV,” Bellanti said. “They think the worst of a motorcycle club. I’m a hardworking guy. I’ve raised two kids.”
He says the club will limit the noise by only parking their bikes on Packard. Bellanti says members will avoid the other side of the building that’s near the residential neighborhood.
The permit hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
USA -BN.
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