The City of Fort Wayne introduced a measure to Fort Wayne City Council Tuesday seeking to amend Title 11 of the city’s code of ordinances by adding chapters centered on “sexually oriented” businesses.
The measure is centered on new regulations established by the Allen County Commissioners in June, which would require licensing for new “sexually oriented businesses” and prohibit “live sex act” businesses.
Commissioners expressed concern that such businesses tend to bring up crime, human and drug trafficking, and drug use to the areas in which they’re found.
Without a meeting scheduled for next Tuesday, Council is expected to take up its discussion and vote on the measure in two weeks. But residents are already speaking out on both ends of the debate.
One local resident says that “inclusion always wins,” urging members of Council to use the next two weeks to collaborate with businesses and health leaders to reconsider the regulatory approach and consider the “widespread burden” this could have on current local establishments.
“They’re not the only companies that sell sexually-oriented… items, I’ll say. Walgreens, CVS, they sell things too; Amazon ships them here. What’s the plan for them? Are you just targeting local businesses?”
On the other end was Reverend Jeff Springer, suggesting that local communities should have more control over the kinds of businesses it welcomes.
“I think this is a blight; if you want to grow this community, there are some businesses that are good and some that are not so good for the sake of this community.”
Council’s discussion on the measure -- and possible vote -- is expected on Tuesday, August 6 at 5:30 pm.