City Administrator Phil Ciafardini urged commissioners Monday to consider the change as part of the development of Newport's comprehensive plan, which establishes land use recommendations through a lengthy process of research and public hearings, rather than as a separate issue.

Last month, City Commissioner Robbie Hall proposed moving an adult entertainment zone from the city's west side to a quarter-mile stretch of Licking Pike after residents complained that the district - which is not yet home to any sexually oriented businesses - is too close to their neighborhood. Newport has worked for years to reduce the number of sexually oriented businesses, which once lined the central business district on Monmouth Street but has now dwindled to a pair.

City commissioners amended Newport's zoning ordinance in 2003 to allow adult entertainment away from Monmouth Street, after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in separate cases that communities must provide zones where sexually oriented businesses may locate. Cities may, however, restrict those operations through zoning, and city commissioners hoped the location - away from major roads and in an area zoned for heavy industry - would deter adult entertainment while meeting legal standards.

"We weren't willing to risk the code being challenged and lose," Ciafardini said.

City staff will begin research next month for the comprehensive plan, which establishes a 20-year zoning outlook and is updated every five years, but the plan will be created after the mayor and city commissioners face re-election in November. A steering committee made up of 20 to 25 citizens chosen by city commissioners and approved by the city administrator, will provide recommendations, and public hearings will be held early next year.

"I would urge people to get involved (because) this is a really important document that sets the tone for the city," said City Commissioner Beth Fennell.