Politics & Government

Sexually-Oriented Business Moratorium in Effect in Windsor Locks

The planning and zoning commission voted, 4-0, to approve a moratorium on applications for sexually-oriented businesses in town Thursday night.

A moratorium on applications for sexually-oriented business will go into effect at midnight, March 15.

The Planning and Zoning Commission implemented the six-month ban on such businesses Thursday night during a special meeting after hearing from residents and business owners during a public hearing on the topic.

"To say our regulations are outdated would be an understatement. They are basically non-existent," commission Chairman Alan Gannuscio said prior to the commission's vote.

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"This moratorium gives us an opportunity to enact regulations as well as other boards in town to enact (up-to-date) ordinances," he said.

The moratorium will be lifted on Sept. 16, 2013.

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Six residents spoke in favor of the moratorium Thursday, including First Selectman Steve Wawruck.

"Although our ordinances address the issues of 20 years ago — they were adequate at that time — they do need to be updated. With all the research and the recent court cases, as far as the secondary effects associated with these types of establishments, I applaud you for taking on this task and look forward to future discussions," Wawruck told the commission.

Attorney Paul Smith, representing several Windsor Locks residents who have formed the group Windsor Locks Citizens for a Safe Community, added, "studies indicate there are negative effects of sexually-oriented businesses."

Smith said that he supported the moratorium because it will give town officials time to adjust associated regulations in a manner that does not infringe upon rights bestowed upon businesses and individuals by the U.S. Constitution.

The moratorium comes just months following a request from Pool Table Magic owner Mark Kulungian to turn his Ella Grasso Turnpike pool hall into a topless bar and restaurant.

Because Kulungian submitted his application prior to the moratorium, the ban does not affect his business proposal, according to lawyers representing the town of Windsor Locks and Kulungian.

 


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