EVERETT, Washington – Angry picketers are targeting an adult video store that moved in next to preschool and daycare.
The Everett store has been under fire since it opened its doors two weeks ago. Now, as it prepares to celebrate its grand opening, protesters will greet customers.
Neighbors can’t understand how an adult video store could open in this Everett neighborhood.
It’s in the same building as a family karate school. Across the street is a learning center for preschoolers and kindergarteners. Next door, a daycare and home with three children.
“We just want to make sure they know our disapproval, with there being so many families in the area,” said the kids’ father, Bob Hill.
Taboo Video’s attorney, John Neeleman, says they want to be good neighbors. So the store owners have agreed to put up a fence around the property and surveillance cameras in the parking lot.
But it’s not enough for neighbors.
“No fence is not going to be high enough to protect my kids,” said Debbie Hill.
At the day care next door, the director has started a petition urging Everett City Council to change zoning laws.
“I want them to move. I want them to find a different location, I really do. I think there is a better place out there for them, where they would do better business,” said Sandi Miles of Another Best Childcare.
The city of Everett does ban adult entertainment businesses – like strip clubs – from opening in neighborhoods. But there is not a law that keeps adult stores from opening.
Last week, the city council put a moratorium on any more adult stores in sensitive neighborhoods. But that won’t do this neighborhood any good, so parents and neighbors hope to pressure the adult business to move.
Taboo’s attorney says they will listen and respond to the concerns of our neighbors in a reasonable way, but they aren’t planning on leaving.
Neighbors say then plan on more protests.
