George Habash requested a conditional use permit to run an Internet cafe with computer games and a sweepstakes at Spinners Circle, 1607 E. Main St.
The board approved a similar request for a business on Upper Valley Pike last month. City planners recommended approving that permit because they had no evidence to show it would be harmful, Planning and Zoning Administrator Heather Whitmore said.
But they opposed the Spinners request because of testimony and evidence indicating illegal activity there, Whitmore said.
Habash and his nephew Issa Habash have each been charged with a total of four counts of operating a gambling house and four counts of gambling.
“We have to be concerned with what impact it has on the community and neighborhood,” Police Chief Stephen Moody said before the meeting.
George and Issa Habash said their operation is allowed under state law.
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