New wife voodoo dolls, “plus size open cup lingerie,” and AXES? Oh my!
On March 30, 2007, VIP requested a zoning permit to operate a “retail” store that would sell “clothing and other related items.” A lingerie shop, plus.
An article in today’s Hartford Courant details the application, and zoning officer Hellyn Riggins’ rejection of this recent application.
Nice try, Dom and company, but no one believes a.) that VIP sincerely intends to operate a 15,000 sq. ft. lingerie shop that the town would have to continually monitor to keep in compliance or b.) that operating a lingerie shop under the exact same name as your existing porn mega-store would alleviate the secondary effect of lowering property values. The customer-base, and everyone else would logically view it as another… VIP mega store.
According to the Courant article, products to be sold at VIP under the “new” application include: lip gloss, key chains, condoms, Playboy martini sets, Hustler swimwear, garter belts, “father of bride” buttons, “light up bra,” new wife voodoo doll, honeymoon survival kit, Kama Sutra body powder, shoulder pads, bath salts, incense burners, whoopee cushion, throwing knives, swords, “final fling koozie,” fishnet body wear, leather bustiers, “plus size open cup lingerie,” hangover kit, pheromone candles, Playboy Christmas ornaments and axes.
I have no idea what a “new wife voodoo doll” is, I’m guessing some sort of gag gift, along the lines of whoopie cushions. Kama Sutra body powder… OK, I can see that falling under the catagory of “other related items” to clothing.
What I wonder is how are “throwing knives,” “swords,” and “axes” related to these other items? They are not talking about plastic “costume” accessories. VIP carries a large assortment of real steel bladed cutlery. I find this to be odd. I find these items to be potentially dangerous. I do not want these items to be sold next door to my home.
If the VIP group is serious about wanting to “adjust” the use of the building they own in Berlin to an acceptable use retail business that neighbors would not oppose I have some suggestions.
1.) Use it for the Chef’s Equipment store. We would truly welcome that business.
2.) Come up with a new concept like a truly upscale woman friendly store that does not carry porn DVDs, or other items that many women find offensive or degrading. Come up with a TRUE romance store that is not “porn” related in any way. Market this store towards women specifically and make it like an upscale spa. Aim for women who would NOT even consider going to VIP. I think there is a market you are missing.
3.) Sell the building and find a location that is not abutting residential property.
on May 5, 2007 on 8:05 pm
I think Berlin is in trouble because of the Town’s denial of this application. I don’t practice law, but I think I know what they have done… I’ll bet you a buck that they filed that application NOT to open for business, but to trick the Town into giving them a denial. It looks like the Town fell for that trap. The Town has now very ellegantly allowed VIP show that they tried to reduce (minimize) damages… that is an important element of any claim for damages against the Town (i.e., that even though turned down on the original application, they did what they could, given who they are, to minimize their losses). I believe that each and every one of the items they just listed in their application is NOT part of the other crap that IS considered ADULT by the Courts. Ironically, by losing this last zoning application the owners of VIP may actually win the $$$$ war (at Tax-payer expense). Some neighbors may be happy if they don’t open, but the economic cost to the Town is going toibe horrific since VIP just tricked Berlin for a HUGE damage award. mark my words.
on May 5, 2007 on 9:31 pm
Hi Sheila,
I think you may be right that this denial will likely lead to yet another lawsuit from Atty. Silver & Co.
Keep in mind that there would be considerable economic loss to the town if they did NOT vigorously fight VIP from moving into our neighborhood, as the 144 homeowners in this neighborhood might just have grounds to sue as well.
Also, if VIP wins, it will open the door to additional similar businesses being able to open in other commercial areas in town. The Roger’s IGA plaza comes to mind… or anywhere there is commercial space. These businesses tend to follow eachother. Look at Milford, Orange, etc. I think Berlin does not need the reputation of “Adult Business” capitol of CT. That would effect the whole town’s property values.
About the items on the “list,” those are just a few of 3 pages of items. The lawyers involved would not just “willy-nilly” decide to “claim” to consider them adult. Every single item need not be adult, just a significant amount. Also, if they open as VIP, with no name change, the same damage is done to our property values, as VIP is clearly established as a known adult business. Who is going to open a 15,000 sq. ft. “Lingerie/Gag” shop? That would not last for long before the other items appear on the shelves. That is a standard move for businesses like this all over the country.
You don’t practice law, nor do I, but I do know, as fact, that tremendous amount of consideration is done behind the scenes before decisions are made regarding this, by people who DO practice law.
If it was going to be next door to your home, you would expect the town to protect you, too.
While I know you could be correct, I certainly hope you are not.
Thanks for commenting, you always bring up important points,
Laura
on May 6, 2007 on 8:38 pm
Laura – thanks for your response. Very well written and I think I agree with all of your points. Unfortunately, you are probably correct that this is going to be costing the Town $$$ regardless of what happens.