SHARON Sex-business locations to be restricted

Council is setting up a special district for adult-oriented businesses.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
SHARON, Pa. -- City council says adult entertainment businesses can come to town, but they will have to be at least 1,000 feet away from all homes, schools and places where minors might congregate.
Council passed first reading of a zoning amendment Thursday that would create a "Special District" zoning for just that type of business.
That district will be in a rather remote industrial area on the city's South Side, bounded by Stewart Avenue on the east, Phillips Street on the north, the Shenango River on the west and the city of Farrell line on the south.
William Madden, city solicitor, said the site is sufficient for legal purposes because it provides an area where a business could buy property and build. The site has street access off Stewart Avenue.
Without the new regulation, an adult entertainment business could locate in any commercial or industrial area of the city, he said.
Reason for regulation
Council was prompted to take action after Fred Hoffman, council president, reported hearing about someone trying to open a strip club on either West or East State Street, the city's main commercial district.
It will take some time to get the zoning ordinance amendment finalized.
The plan must go to the city and Mercer County Regional planning commissions for review and recommendations, and city council must hold a public hearing before final passage.
Council expects to get a response from the planning commission within a month and has scheduled a public hearing on the amendment for 5:30 p.m. April 15. The hearing will be immediately followed by a final vote at the regular council meeting at 6:30 p.m. that same day.
gwin@vindy.com