A PLEA TO KEEP CONTROVERSIAL DOWNTOWN NIGHTCLUB OPEN

This is a plea for Space34, the popular downtown nightclub, which announced
that it is closing (Space34 owner: Media to blame for club closing, Oct. 3).

When I discovered Club Space, its initial name, I was impressed. It boasts
the finest sound system, light show and atmosphere of any club that I have
seen. In my many trips to to the club, I have never seen a fight,
''inappropriate behavior'' or open drug use.

Space has been a place where many good people gathered to have a good time.
When I heard that the government had singled it out as a drug den, I was
shocked and disappointed. All nightclubs have people who try to sell, buy
or use drugs. Space has been one of the more diligent in preventing that.

Every time that I am on the dance floor and I am smoking a cigarette, at
least two security guards walk over to make sure that it is not something
else. The ID checks at the door are strict, and the security personnel are
capable and competent. I realize that in the past some people were found to
sell drugs at Space; they were arrested or reprimanded.

Space has been a pioneer in the Miami Downtown Entertainment District. It
has contributed to the city's economy and has been a great influence on the
area by pushing the crack dealers and homeless away from there.

Miami should pass an ordinance to allow searches of patrons and mandatory
drug testing of club employees or have more police presence at the venues.
But don't shut down the businesses that have helped pull that part of Miami
out of financial crisis, boosted local property values and attracted
developers to build loft condos for young professionals who would frequent
these establishments.

Mike Okun, Kendall