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Adult-themed store causes controversy in Manassas
While protests likely won't become quite as divisive, there are similarities between an adult-themed store due to open in October in Old Town Manassas and the proposed Islamic community center in Manhattan regarding the role of government and emotion.
Both cases center around the idea that a controversial structure can be built in a place that many locals think is inappropriate or lacks in taste. Also at play are the limitations on freedom of speech.
Del. Jackson Miller (R-51st) sent an e-mail out to supporters at the beginning of the month decrying the establishment of KK's Temptations because "This porn shop is also within blocks of at least six houses of worship, Osbourn High School, Seton School and Baldwin Elementary." He did so recognizing that his statement would likely garner more attention to the store.
"However, I simply cannot just sit back and take a 'wait and see" approach,'" wrote Miller, asking them to attend a meeting he planned to set up for this past Tuesday.
While the printing on the green door at the store lists KK's Temptations in a swooping, swirling font with a pink circle around its "K" logo, it does mention that there are "Adult DVD's [sic], Lotions, Lingerie & more" inside. A sentence underneath the above print does warn passer-bys: "No one under 18 permitted."
One of the reasons that the project is controversial to Miller is the amount of money state taxpayers have spent recently cleaning up Battle Street, which intersects Center Street near the train station. "After spending over $300,000 of our tax dollars on improvements to give Battle Street a facelift, what do we get? A porn shop," Miller wrote.
During an interview with the Times, he elaborated more on that concept, saying even more money has been spent to spruce up the entire area outside of Battle Street, such as the construction of nearby Harris Pavilion.
"The fact of the matter is we've spent millions upon millions of dollars in a small-square place, trying to make this place a family-friendly area," said Miller.
According to the delegate, who formerly served on the Manassas City Council, the council did not have to approve it in order for the business permit to go through.
"I would just say, listen, she has followed the law and the staff and the city government have just rubberstamped her application to open a sex shop in old town," said Miller.
Miller's e-mail led to a barrage of media attention during the last week, as television and print journalists stopped by Manassas. Store owner Kimberly Skokan said during a TV interview that a lot of women "don't feel good about going to certain establishments" because of how it's set up, promising instead that her business would be "upscale."
She wrote a message on her company Web site stating that, "My daughter and I would to thank everyone for the hundreds of emails that we are receiving everyday from everyone showing their support and welcoming us to Old Town Manassas."
Miller said he's not opposed to the concept of the store but rather its location, though he did question whether it would have anything "obscene."
"Right now, they have not broken any laws, but we will try to find ways to make them go," said Miller.
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