PORTAGE | City officials are working through procedures to shut down a clubhouse they believe is occupied by the local chapter of the Invaders motorcycle club.
Police Chief Troy Williams said Friday morning that letters have been sent to the owners of the property at 6720 U.S. 20 and club members that the group is in violation of city code by failing to apply and obtain an occupancy permit for the building.
Williams said he first noticed a sign in the front of the former smoke shop building just west of Samuelson Road in December and is aware that the group has held gatherings in the building.
"There have been renovations done inside and they've painted the exterior with their colors," Williams said. "Currently they are in violation of city code."
No one was available at the clubhouse to comment Friday. According to the club's website, invadersmcnation.com, the group was started in 1965 in Gary and there are multiple chapters in Illinois and Indiana.
Williams said police were called to the building once, when an alarm was set off on Dec. 21, but when they arrived, they were not allowed inside and were told there was no issue.
"As chief of police it is my duty to ensure a safe environment for our residents, and we will avail ourselves to all local, state and federal resources to accomplish our mission," Williams stated in a news release. "We are proactive on safety in Portage, and we will exhaust all legal remedies to notify our residents of any and all potential threats."
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