Monday, December 13, 1999
Monroe organizes to oppose Flynt store
BY DAVID ECK
Enquirer Contributor
MONROE — About 130 residents gathered Saturday at Monroe United Methodist Church to discuss plans to fight a Hustler megastore that could open on Ohio 63 near Interstate 75 by spring.
“We don't want garbage in our community. That's what I feel it is,” said Dave Brandon, a 25-year resident of Monroe. “We want to attract growth, but not that kind of growth.”
Friday, the lot was cleared for construction.
At Saturday's 90-minute meeting, convened by the Monroe Ministerial Association and Citizens for Community Values, residents were urged to push local, county and state officials to fight the establishment of sexually oriented businesses in their community.
That was part of a 15-step action plan to combat the businesses, said Phil Burress, CCV executive director.
Other steps include pressuring county prosecution of those who rent or sell pornographic, X-rated adult videos and magazines; and to publicly oppose companies and people who support sexually-oriented businesses.
A former strip club manager spoke at the meeting and two videos were shown, including one made by a former stripper.
“Tonight's about education,” Mr. Burress said. “We'll end up with a red-light district here if something isn't done. You are an educated public here in Monroe. You are on top of the issue.”
Cincinnati City Councilman Phil Heimlich told the group that Cincinnati created strong zoning and licensing ordinances to control sexually oriented businesses.
Keeping sexually oriented businesses out of the region helps everyone, Mr. Heimlich said. “(Monroe) is Cincinnati's front doorWe all need to work together.”
Jimmy Flynt, brother of Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt, has said the store will sell lingerie and hip clothing, similar to Hustler's West Hollywood, Calif., store. The outlet could also offer nonexplicit books, along with Hustler magazine, adult videos, sex toys, leather sexual wear and logo sportswear.
The site is next door to Bristol's, an exotic show club.
Mr. Flynt has stressed that the store will meet local requirements, but city officials have said that they don't think it will fit local zoning.
The Flynts have said CCV's plans don't concern them.
Several residents said they welcomed CCV's help in fighting the Flynts.
“I'm glad they can show us the steps to take,” said Lilly Brown, a 24-year Monroe resident. “We need to tell the business of Larry Flynt ... we don't want his business here. I personally would prefer it not be anywhere, but I certainly don't want it in this town.”
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