This issue has been in the local news for a long time, I wonder if the founding fathers ever dreamed this would be a business in their area!! http://www.ksdk.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=74665 Residents Protest Plans For X-Rated Business To Open In Crystal City created: 2/7/2005 10:43:45 PM updated: 2/8/2005 10:00:45 AM By Cordell Whitlock (KSDK) - There was a showdown Monday night in Crystal City, between the owner of an x-rated business and residents who want his company kept out of town. Last week, Mayor Tom Schilly rejected a business license application from Pure Pleasure Megacenter, an adult establishment trying to open up in town. Monday night the owner appealed before the Mayor. "Our store will open at this location," said Don Kleinhans, who is confident his efforts to open Pure Pleasure, an adult video and novelty store, will be successful. Kleinhans' attorney says the mayor's rejection of Pure Pleasure's application wasn't justified. The Mayor says information about the building's lighting and monitoring of viewing booths was not sufficient. Many in the overflow crowd at City Hall are less than thrilled with the idea of Pure Pleasure opening in their neighborhood. Clete Reed's church, Freedom Worship Center, is a half mile from Pure Pleasure's planned location, "The churches will band together and fight this. We will be meeting on Thursday to find out what we can do to help our community." Kleinhans calls those opposed to him the vocal minority, "Obviously, there is a silent majority that is happy we are here and ready to buy our product." The Mayor says he will not be swayed by public opinion, "I understand people are upset, but this decision cannot be based on emotions." The Mayor has five days to make a decision regarding Pure Pleasure's appeal for a business license. Kleinhans is prepared to take the matter to Circuit Court. Residents opposed to his business are looking into their legal options. KSDK http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/jeffersoncounty/ story/CC153C584F40B64386256FB1005EE3DE?OpenDocument Opponents of adult store gear up to continue fight By Robert Kelly Of the Post-Dispatch 02/24/2005 Appeal of Crystal City's denial of license sparks hubbub Crystal City residents oppose license for store As the appeals process continues over denial of a business license for an adult book and video store in Crystal City, opponents of the proposed store are organizing protest activities in case the store eventually opens. Bryan Menke says that scores of people are joining a group called Community Interest Voice of Jefferson County to oppose businessman Don Kleinhans' plan to open his sixth Pure Pleasure Megacenter adult book and video store. "I urge all Jefferson County residents to use the freedom our founding fathers intended, and which our soldiers are fighting for, to stand up and be heard. Protect our community from Don Kleinhans and Pure Pleasure," Menke, co-chairman of the opposition group, wrote in a letter to news media in the area. Kleinhans has leased a building at 2302 North Truman Boulevard in Crystal City with the intention of opening his second St. Louis-area adult book and video store there. The other one is at 2626 North Broadway in St. Louis. Kleinhans operates similar Pure Pleasure stores in Louisville, Ky., and at three locations in Florida. He contends that all of his stores operate legally and haven't disrupted the neighborhoods where they are located. But Menke said such stores devalue nearby properties and attract disreputable people and criminals by promoting pornography. "The United States Attorney General's Office did a study which revealed that 85 percent of all money received for pornographic magazines and videos in the United States goes directly into the pockets of organized crime," Menke said. "This same study stated that pornography is the third biggest money-maker for organized crime, just behind drugs and gambling." Menke said his group was ready to pass out fliers alerting Crystal City residents to the problems associated with adult bookstores. He said opponents probably would picket the bookstore if it opens. Crystal City Mayor Tom Schilly announced this week that he was rejecting Kleinhans' appeal of the mayor's denial of a business license to Pure Pleasure. Kleinhans applied for the license last month, but Schilly denied it on grounds that lighting planned for the store was inadequate and the store lacked an approved floor plan. Grant Shostak, an attorney for Kleinhans, said the license denial would be appealed to the full Crystal City Council. Shostak said he believed Kleinhans had complied with city ordinances and should be allowed to open the bookstore. If the full council refuses to issue a license, Kleinhans may appeal through the courts, Shostak said. Kleinhans has said he expects the Crystal City store to open at some point. Reporter Robert Kelly E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 636-500-4109