2005/06/15 Council Agenda Packet

II. STUDIES AND REGULATIONS IN OTHER LOCALITIES Impacts Found in Other Localities DCP reviewed impact studies from the following municipalities: Islip (Nl), Los Angeles (CA), Indianapolis (IA), Whittier (CA), Austin (TX), Phoenix (AZ), Manatee County (FL), New Hanover County (NC), and the State of Minnesota. Islip, New York The Town of Islip completed a study of adult uses in September, 1980.5 The study formed the basis of new zoning provisions that allowed adult uses only in Industrial I Districts, by special exception of the Board of Appeals. Adult .uses would not be allowed to locate within 500 feet of residential uses and public facilities, nor would they be permitted to locate within one half -mile of another adult use. Islip proposed the one-half mile requirement to prevent a concentration of sex businesses visible to the driving public, thereby hindering the creation of a "combat zone." By limiting adult uses to certain industrial zones, Islip proposed to prevent "skid row effects" in declining downtown commercial areas. The proposal was expected to further other anti- skid row efforts such as new public investment, the prohibition .of certain residential conversions, and restrictions on new bars. It was also formulated to prevent "dead zones" from developing in commercial areas. According to the study, these areas are avoided because shoppers do not want to be associated in any way with adult uses, or have their children walk by adult uses. Citing its case study, Islip indicated that the main complaint about a given adult book store is its proximity to an adjoining residential area. Other impacts included parking in residential areas (store patrons may wish to "hide" their automobile from view by parking away from the adult establishment). The study, relying on newspaper articles, indicated that another impact is the reputed association of the adult book store operators with organized crime. s "Study and Recommendations for Adult Entertainment Businesses in the Town of Islip," Department of Planning and Development, 1980. 3 EVER00102