Post by Albany Park Neighbors. Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe CHICAGO, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- A Chicago neighborhood group is defending its decision to give a neighborhood beautification award to a strip club, saying the winner was voted on by residents. The Albany Park Neighbors group said the Block Star Award -- described on its website as a prize for "local businesses who are going above and beyond in the fight against litter, while also providing great customer service and going the extra mile for our community" -- was given to the Admiral Theatre after voting by neighborhood residents using its Facebook group. Advertisement The award, which was announced with a picture of Admiral Theatre manager Michael Spalding accepting a certificate, was criticized by some Chicagoans on the neighborhood group's Facebook page. The group responded to the criticism, saying the award was aimed at the club's work in keeping area sidewalks clear of litter and snow as opposed to an endorsement of the business itself. "It's an award for clean sidewalks, neat facade, etc. Regardless of whether you're not an Admiral fan (plenty aren't), they do keep the outside of their place tidy," the group said in a comment. Advertisement Nick Cecola, the Admiral's creative director, said the certificate will be displayed in the club's main lobby. "We're actually getting it framed," he told the Chicago Sun-Times. The Albany Park Neighbors said another round of voting for the next Block Star Award will take place later in the winter. Read More Taxi driver gets $989.98 tip for a two-minute drive Roswell missile silo sells for nearly $300k Man arrested for pointing iPhone at police Family creates 45-foot 'Frozen'-inspired icicle
