COVINGTON — The group of business leaders and residents studying where to put an adult business zone doesn't want one downtown.

        But the Covington Citizens Committee on Adult Businesses also wants city leaders to wait for a Kenton County agency to decide whether such a zone will be included in a five-year review of its comprehensive plan and more strictly enforce licensing ordinances the city already has.

        “I think we need to be proactive in enforcing what's there,” said committee chairwoman Mary Ann Stewart, a Covington lawyer.

        The committee met for the second time Tuesday at the West Pike Street offices of Ms. Stewart. A third meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. Oct. 25, also at Ms. Stewart's office.

        Five years ago, the city of Erlanger designated 200 acres in the Circleport industrial park off Mineola Pike. Covington committee member Alma Puissegur said Tuesday the Kenton County and Municipal Planning and Zoning Commission is discussing whether to make that site the adult business zone for the whole county.

        “I like the countywide (zone), but it may not stand up in court,” committee member Glenn Kukla said.

        The major question to be answered: whether the planning commission qualifies as a governmental agency under state law.

        “The staff doesn't know because the lawyers don't know,” Ms. Puissegur said.

        The committee also has a deadline — Covington City Commission's request for a report by the end of this month.

        Covington's proposed adult business zone is divided into two sections:

        • A four-block area from East Fourth Street to halfway between East Fifth and Sixth streets, with a portion of Madison Avenue and Electric Alley.

        • One square block bordered by East Fourth Street, Park Street, Court Street and Scott Boulevard.

        The city backed off that temporarily and formed the committee. Mayor Butch Callery said he wants a final report by the end of October because a separate county zoning text amendment regarding the district takes effect in November without an accompanying map amendment — a move Mr. Callery said would needlessly delay the process.

        Committee member Alex Weldon said the planning commission probably would not do anything until early next year. Ms. Puissegur said the committee could not come to an agreement Tuesday because it did not have enough information.

        The city's licensing regulations call for:

        • Annual renewal for adult businesses.

        • Possible revocation if an owner knowingly allows prostitution or drug use.

        • Passing of city fire, building, health and zoning codes.

        • Not being able to apply for a new license for at least two years after a revocation.

        “I think it's a strong ordinance,” Covington City Manager Greg Jarvis said. “It's one of the tools we have to regulate these businesses.”

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