COMPTON – Work is continuing on a project to fix up a strip club on Route 30 that was closed down a few years ago.

Albert Bruno, a Norridge-based business developer and new owner of the former Candy Factory club at 2849 Route 30, approached the Lee County Zoning Board last year with plans to make it once again viable after being closed for more than 3 years.

Because the business was shuttered for at least 3 years, the county began the process of reverting the property’s zoning from heavy industrial to agricultural. However, Bruno raised an objection to the Lee County Zoning Board, citing his development plans and the need to retain current zoning.

The property carries heavy industrial zoning because it’s the only acceptable category for an adult amusement establishment, according to county code.

In September, the Zoning Board agreed to keep the zoning as is – so long as the zoning administrator was updated on the development’s progress every 3 months.

Zoning Administrator Dee Duffy told the board Thursday that she received an update on the project, as well as they’re working on a demolition contract for the house and barn on the property. Then they plan to apply for a permit to build a new well.

They’re hoping that demolishing the two structures will reduce the septic output by half and address those concerns, she said.

Other planned improvements involve remodeling the grill and cafe area and cleaning the interior and exterior.

The business would be a strip club and include a video gambling lounge. Project manager Tony Arena said the target clients would be truck drivers because of the freight traffic along Route 30.