Officials eye regulations for adult business Commission reviewing, revising zoning codes

By Stacey Carmany
Special to the Record-Courier

Franklin Township officials are considering where to allow adult entertainment businesses to operate should any such businesses look to open in the community.
Franklin Township Zoning Commission member Judy Spencer said that while the move may be controversial, by law the township cannot prohibit adult entertainment businesses. Instead, the commission hopes to regulate where those businesses can locate.
Autumn McCormick, Franklin Township administrative assistant, said if the commission did not designate a specific commercial zone where the businesses could operate, then they could locate in any part of the township " even in residential areas.
Members of the commission, which met Tuesday to continue to review and revise the new zoning code, emphasized the fact no adult entertainment businesses have indicated plans to locate within the township.
The proposed commercial zone, near the Kent State University Golf Course, would house various types of business and would not be limited to adult entertainment. The district could include a wide range of commercial enterprises.
The committee worked to re-word the description of the commercial district to differentiate it from other commercial zones without drawing attention to the fact the district will permit adult entertainment businesses.
Commission member Jim Jackson suggested Franklin Township refer to it as a "service commercial district," rather than an "adult entertainment commercial district," he said.
The commission will hold a series of public meetings to discuss the zoning regulations once it has finished reviewing and revising the new zoning code.