2005/06/15 Council Agenda Packet

Schools We were able to interview representatives of two public schools in the area, Public School 111, and Park West High School. They decried the proliferation of adult entertainment stores in general, and stated that.they did not want young people to grow up assuming that "the sleazy image" provided by these stores is the norm. "Why throw this at children before they are.ready7" They also expressed concerns about prostitution and drug dealing in the area, which, together with the presence of the porn stores, contributes to the negative image of the Times Square and Clinton areas. One representative had recently made specific complaints about a nude bar opposite the back of the school building, and had worked with the Community Board to lessen the -effects and even, unsuccessfully, to close that bar. ,., Social Service Organizations Three interviews were held with 1) the executive director of an organization providing residential and service needs for older citizens, 2) the executive director of a mufti -service settlement house, and 3) the executive director of an AIDS project. A ' fourth, more informal conversation was held with the executive director of an organization serving the homeless. Two of these respondents observed that the presence of adult entertainment businesses has a negative effect on the area. The settlement house leader said that the families and children she serves try to avoid Eghtti Avenue, and the senior service representative believed that their ability to attract viable commercial tenants for their retail rental space was being hurt. The AIDS organization representative asserted that pornography may be okay for some, but may be linked to drugs and prostitution because there Is also commercial sex 'taking place in and around these establishments: He believes that there Is a double standard prevailing, -3n that not enough is being -done to'combat drug dealing, prostitution, and the spreod :of=AIDS ��,Each;-of°tficse lnt6Niewees' was concemed�about the negative Image of Times-Square=that- may. berfostered -by the presence of the porn businesses and their ancillary activities. The respondent from the homeless agency described the presence of a'scantily dressed woman dancing on the street and distributing flyers fora newly -opened business one block south of the BID boundaries. This new business is on the same block as the outreach ministry of a church, and very close to the two residences -for homeless adults run by her organization. She stated that she is working with people who are "trying to get their lives together" and she found the presence of these establishments not helpful. The three executive directors believed that the appearance and exterior displays were "embarrassing", "seamy", and "seemed to be _ violent". EVER00232 46