TARBORO, North Carolina – [Rocky Mountain Telegram]- A Rocky Mount man, responding to recent public protest, affirmed his commitment before town leaders Monday to open a pornography shop in downtown Tarboro.
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Ronnie Wiggins, who has worked in recent weeks to renovate the historic Majestic Theater in order to open the Majestic Adult Center, lashed out at those who have criticized his proposal.
“I have a right to be here and open this business,” Wiggins said, standing before the Town Council. “But I realize I cannot fight the government no matter how small or large the government is. So I’m willing to work with the Town Hall the best that I can.”
Current zoning regulations allow for the porn shop. However, the Town Council is in the process of reviewing a proposed ordinance that would place school, church and day care proximity restraints on adult-themed businesses.
The Majestic Adult Center would be in violation of most of the ordinance’s statutes and, if passed, would be given 12 months to come into compliance or close.
Regardless, Wiggins said, he will move forward with his plan.
“I’m not selling to minors; I’m selling to everyone over 18,” Wiggins said. “I don’t know why I shouldn’t be able to open this business. I thought it was because it was in the historic district, but Mrs. (Jeana West-)Braswell said it’s because she doesn’t like porn. And that’s not good enough.”
West-Braswell, who has led the push to have Wiggins’ store outlawed, picketed Saturday outside the Majestic Adult Center with a group of town residents. She also spoke at the meeting.
“With all due respect to Mr. Wiggins and what he is proposing tonight, it is not just about porn,” West-Braswell said. “It’s not just about him opening up a business. I have lived here 43 years. … I love Tarboro. And we’re better than this.”
In showing support for the proposed ordinance, town leaders seem to side with West-Braswell.
For years, Tarboro officials have fought to attract new, more progressive businesses to the downtown corridor. Wiggins’ plan, however, wasn’t quite what they had in mind.
Mayor Donald Morris joked about not wanting to be seen in such an establishment in a previous Telegram interview. He also said he thought the porn shop – given the nature of the store and its location on Main Street – was not in a good location to draw customers.
Wiggins responded to the comment Monday.
“I believe the mayor had been quoted saying that he personally would not want to be seen going into a business like this on Main Street,” Wiggins said, looking to Morris. “Well, I have a Web site. You can order on the Web site, sir. You don’t have to come into the business.”
Wiggines left the meeting after his brief address to council members. The town council will vote on the proposed adult store ordinance April 7.