LENOIR, N.C. -- City officials are investigating an adult-themed club operating out of a building close to three churches in downtown Lenoir.

Western Carolina Friends, according to context on its website and a social networking Internet site associated with it, is for swingers – slang for those who engage in certain types of sexual activity.

The club is headquartered in a building on Ashe Avenue owned by Blue Ridge Community Action, a nonprofit. The property is not zoned for adult-oriented businesses, and the club also advertises members can bring their own alcohol – which raises questions about the legality of the operation for city officials.

According to its Web site, 80 members signed up for the club’s grand opening event last month and many local couples listed already participate on the SwingLifeStyle site linked from the Western Carolina Friends site.

Another event is set for Feb. 23 and another on March 8.