Adult book store faces foes – will it be too little too late?

By: American Decency Staff

Please read carefully the words of warning by Federal Court Judge Robert Holmes Bell regarding townships and sex shops.Here we go again. We often think that it can never happen in our area so we don't do what is necessary. Then we hear the scuttlebutt "A sex entrepreneur is trying to set up shop just down the road!" That's what's happening in a seemingly humble location off I-96 just a few miles west of Lansing, Michigan. Here's how the Lansing State Journal article begins: "EAGLE TWP. — If the process goes the way Alex Grams has it planned, by June 1 he will have a special land-use permit from Clinton County and will be able to begin operating his adult bookstore on M-100 between Grand River Ave. and the I-96 freeway. …" http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008805040591 This, once again, shows the importance of having a strong, legally binding, zoning ordinance. Reading this, undoubtedly, are some who are in the position of making certain that needed ordinances are in place to protect their community from destructive sex shops. Please read carefully the words of warning by Federal Court Judge Robert Holmes Bell. Judge Bell wrote this word of warning as a result of presiding over a situation where another township had earlier sought the judges intervention to save them from a sex shop attempting to establish residence in their local jurisdiction. "While the entry of a preliminary injunction may be disappointing to Blair Township, it should not come as a surprise. The law has been clear for many years that municipalities may not exclude sexually oriented businesses altogether. Blair Township could have planned for their entry into the community, but instead chose the route of nonaction, resulting in less control by the community when the businesses eventually arrive. Perhaps other municipalities will learn from Blair Township's experience." Federal Court Judge Robert Holmes Bell Chief Judge, U. S. District Court, Western District of Michigan An ADA note: Townships can create ordinances that make if very unwelcome for sex shops to locate in their jurisdiction. Townships can't legislate them out (because of the law of the land, but they can make it very unattractive for them to set up shop there.) Below we have included the name of an individual who can assist townships in having tough and rock solid ordinances in place! ============================================= Citizens of Eagle Township came out in number (over 200) last evening to voice their concerns at a scheduled public hearing at the Eagle Township Hall. For those in the Eagle Township area (in the greater St. Johns, Michigan area) the county planning commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, May 8 at 7 pm in the county courthouse in St. Johns. ================================== Personal note: In the past, this ministry has periodically tried to warn both citizens and those in government leadership to step up to the plate and avoid circumstances where you get caught with your pants down – to use a colloquialism. Action: The expert in the country in this regard is Scott D. Bergthold, P.L.L.C. 8052 Standifer Gap Rd. Suite C Chattanooga, TN 37421 423.899.3025 Office 423.899.3029 Fax 423.802.9459 Cell email: sbergthold@adultbusinesslaw.com http://www.adultbusinesslaw.com/ In the meantime, pray that the citizens of Eagle Township will continue to take a stand. Pray also for the township supervisor Mr. David Morris. He's trying to do everything he can at this hour. ================================ Thank you for getting involved. https://americandecency.org/folder.php?f=donate Bill Johnson, president ———- American Decency Association Bill Johnson, President P.O. Box 202 Fremont, MI 49412 ph:231-924-4050 fax:231-924-1966 www.americandecency.org

---