GARDEN GROVE : Study Could Change Laws for Adult Shops

Garden Grove City Council members this week received the results of a study they said could lead to changes in zoning laws for businesses selling sexually explicit materials.

The report, completed by UC Irvine researchers Richard McCleary and James Meeker, examined the effects of adult businesses on property values, crime and nuisances such as noise and litter.

McCleary and Meeker concluded that crime increases whenever an adult business opens or expands and whenever a bar opens near an adult business. They also concluded that adult businesses reduce property values.

Garden Grove and some other cities have targeted the businesses by requiring changes to exits, surrounding fences, video booths and other features. The researches said those alterations don’t reduce crime.

City officials said the survey was needed to support their contention that adult businesses should be treated differently than other commercial concerns.

The city has seven businesses that offer adult books, videos or peep shows, most of them on Garden Grove Boulevard between Magnolia Street and Beach Boulevard.

For years, neighbors have complained that the businesses are the source of lewd conduct, crime, litter, noise and traffic problems.

The report offered several recommendations for addressing the issue.

“This report will give us the tools to evaluate our ordinances,” said City Manager George L. Tindall. “I’m sure you’ll have other items coming in front of the City Council based on this report.”