HAMDEN, Connecticut — Police and planning officials have been working together to determine whether violations exist at Adult Video Liquidators on State Street, but so far no criminal activity is apparent, police said Thursday night.
The investigation was launched about two weeks ago after a man complained to the mayor’s office that the store had video booths, which he believed were illegal.
“We have no information that any criminal activity is taking place,” Police Chief Thomas J. Wydra said.
“A resident, who didn’t leave his name, noticed more activity than usual in the parking lot, and then inquired and made the discovery that there were ‘buddy booths.’ It’s very disturbing and our police, zoning and building departments are all aware of what they have to do,” Mayor Craig B. Henrici said.
The investigation has been continuing. Following up on the anonymous complaint, two detectives went to the store Thursday night and saw video booths. They interviewed an employee and the owner who denied that any criminal activity was taking place at the business or involving the booths, Wydra said. The store at 2259 State St. has adult films, magazines, marital aids and other items.
“Some people might be concerned about money being exchanged for sexual acts or the promotion of those types of activities ... but they denied any criminal activity was taking place,” Wydra said.
The lawyer for the store, Dan Silver, could not be reached for comment. Store owner Dave Moon also could not be reached, but when contacted recently, said he couldn’t answer questions without talking with Silver, who was on vacation at the time.
Planning officials are still trying to determine whether zoning regulations are being violated.
Zoning Enforcement Officer Holly Masi is waiting for guidance from Assistant Town Attorney Timothy Lee before she can issue a notice of violation — if things get that far.
“We are in the process of determining if the (viewing booths) are an expansion or an intensification of the use,” Creane said.
An example of an intensification of a retail use is described as selling a new line of products.
If it is determined that the presence of viewing booths is an expansion of what has been permitted to exist at the store, then the owner must request a variance before the Zoning Board of Appeals. An intensification of use doesn’t require a variance, Creane said.
Adult Video Liquidators has been at 2259 State St. since 1992. The town approved zoning regulations for adult entertainment establishments in 1999, so the store is considered a pre-existing, nonconforming use. The store is in a controlled development district zone. Since 1999, adult entertainment establishments have only been allowed in manufacturing zones by special permit and site plan. No other stores have been permitted.
