Zoning Law Supported for Adult Businesses

Zoning law supported for adult businesses

SCHENECTADY — Residents overwhelmingly supported a proposed law that would force adult businesses to move to industrial zones — a measure prompted by publicity surrounding a local inn that has been the site of swingers’ sex parties.
Just as the (swingers) claim they have a right to live their lifestyle, the people in the neighborhood have a right to their lifestyle,” said Joseph Seelaus III.

Richard Rheingold, who sat beside Seelaus at the meeting, expressed concern that if the city didn’t stop the swingers club now, others could proliferate.

The City Council held a public hearing on the proposed legal change at the start of its regular meeting Tuesday night. The council is expected to vote on the issue at its next meeting, on Oct. 23.

Gerald Plante, who identified himself as an Air Force veteran, opposed the measure. He said the issue isn’t sex but free speech and defending the U.S. Constitution. He told the City Council and Mayor Brian Stratton their time would be better spent addressing the city’s larger issues, such as high property taxes and violence.

“Sex is looked at as a bad thing, but aren’t we all here because of it?” he asked.

The ordinance would give the city oversight of a number of adult businesses, but the measure was proposed after revelations that Bob Alexson hosted parties for swingers at his Union Street Bed & Breakfast.

Alexson, who did not attend the hearing, said the parties are part of his private life.

He wouldn’t comment on the proposal when contacted Tuesday night.

“My attorney told me to be quiet,” Alexson said.

Alexson’s lawyer, Stephen Coffey, has previously said the proposed law targeted his client specifically, and said the law went so far that it could ban sex-related activities in all establishments — even hotel honeymoon suites.

Reference

Be Sociable, Share!

• 

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.