http://www.newhavenregister.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=9413895&BRD=1281&PAG=461&dept_id=517514&rfi=6

Parents picket during anti-smut crusade at meeting

Brian McCready , Register Staff 07/08/2003

TOWN TALK
Milford's adult-business crackdown

MILFORD — Pornography has no place in Milford. That’s the message that a dozen parents and children brought to the Board of Aldermen Monday night, picketing the board’s monthly meeting.

Armed with signs that read "Close Down Porn Shops They Hurt Kids," the group marched in front of City Hall, saying they want the city to crack down on what they perceive to be a large number of adult businesses.

The group praised city officials for working on a new adult ordinance that officials say would be the strictest in the state. The board will vote on the new ordinance next month.

The new measure would ban nudity and restrict partial nudity at adult businesses, essentially banning lap dancing.

It would also ensure that club owners do not have criminal records.

Danny Carroll, a 25-year resident, said he’s seen the number of pornography shops increase dramatically.

Penthouse Boutique, an adult bookstore, is slated to open July 25 on Banner Drive. It will become the city’s sixth adult establishment.

"Is Milford becoming the smut capital of the state?" Carroll asked. "Are we going to put a stop to this? We want to get them out of town."

Carroll’s 10-year-old granddaughter, Colbi, carried a sign that read "Porn Feeds Child Predators."

Her sister Cori, 14, said she wanted to take a stand against sexual-oriented businesses because they disrupt the community and can lead to drug and sexual abuse.

"It draws more perverts and predators into the city," Cori said. "Our community has the most sex-oriented businesses in the state."

Marilyn Carroll said her family picketed Monday to take a stand against pornography.

"Adult businesses degrade women," Marilyn Carroll said.

Aldermanic Majority Leader Barbara Genovese, R-4, said the board is standing united against adult businesses.

"The new ordinance will be as strong as it can be so adult businesses will be discouraged from coming to Milford," Genovese said. "We’ve had enough."

Alderwoman Judith Toohey, R-2, said it’s a great sign residents are out supporting the new adult ordinance.

"To see a child here holding a sign, that really makes a statement," Toohey said.

Brian McCready can be reached at bmccready@nhregister.com or 876-6800.