| A couple months ago notices started appearing in the paper that Amazing.net was applying for permits to modify one of the storefronts on the lower level of the building. Knowing of the denial they received a few years back, but not of the lawsuit they were currently engaged in, I assumed that they were expanding their store to take two levels, not moving the whole operation. Turns out that they were challenging the adult zone we currently have in place, and part of the settlement stipulated that we had to let them move.
The current zone is inadequate in several respects, and a better one needs to be found. If we do not create a new zone that passes Constitutional muster then any adult business can locate anywhere in town they like. When I lived in Honolulu I could walk to at least half a dozen strip clubs from my apartment. I also knew on which blocks I would see which prostitutes. A big reason there were so many ladies - and men who dress like ladies - of the night is that Waikiki is the tourist capital of the world, but there were always more of them closer to the strip joints than towards the ritzier hotels. I loved living there, but I certainly don't want that for Dedham.
Article Four sets up such a zone by way of an overlay district along Allied Drive, the road that runs from the Rt 128 rotary to the commuter rail station. It also passes the Juvenile Courthouse, and the two nursing homes on the street are included in the zone. It is not an ideal location, but there really isn't any such location. We clearly don't want to put it in a residential neighborhood, and that eliminates about 80% of the town right there.
The only other option I've heard thrown out is Sturgis Drive. Personally I think you are more likely to get an adult business to open up just off of Rt 1 than you are just off 128, and so for that reason I think Allied Drive is the better of some bad options. It also should be said that just because adult uses would be permitted in this new zone that doesn't necessarily mean that they will. This is would create an overlay district, so the existing uses are all still permitted. Anyone who hopes to open an adult business down there will have to compete on the open market for space.
The proposed by law also allows for some addition protections. The building in which the adult use is housed has to look similar to the surrounding buildings. You can't paint it purple and gold and put neon dancing girls on the roof. However, that monstrosity of a billboard is not too far away on Rustcraft Rd and we have no control about what gets put on that. A proposed adult use will also have to apply for a Special Permit, subject to conditions protecting the "public health, safety, and welfare" of the town.
I'm supporting the article, but there are a few minor amendments that need to be made. The Planning Board got most of them last night, but I'd like to propose one more. There is no provision for notification of neighbors before an adult use can move in. I'd like to see something that says abutters must be notified in advance of the public hearing so they have a chance to weigh in.
Aside from this new district backing up to a residential neighborhood, albeit with the Hilton in between, it should also be noted that Allied Drive is one of the few underutilized commercial properties left in town and has been targeted for economic development purposes. I'm sure being the location of the adult entertainment zone will hinder that, but I hope so long as nothing goes in there that the fall out shouldn't be too bad.
I think Allied Drive is the right place to put the zone, but a number of neighbors did not. The Planning Board heard them and some echoed their concerns. In response they proposed forming a study group to report back to the Annual Town Meeting on whether or not the location should remain on Allied Drive or move somewhere else. It would be beyond the scope of the article - an understandable but sometimes frustrating restriction - to debate another location at this Town Meeting. So, I hope you all enjoy the debate in 3 weeks, because we will get to have it all over again in 6 months.
If you care to weigh in before then, the FinCom will be discussing the Article tonight at 6:30. They will have the final say before Town Meeting, and will provide the original motion for that body to consider. |
