The Damariscotta Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a draft adult entertainment moratorium ordinance Wednesday, Sept. 3 and scheduled a townwide vote for Wednesday, Sept. 17.
The ordinance would temporarily prohibit adult entertainment establishments, which include adult book stores, novelty stores, spas, theaters, and video stores, as well as escort agencies, strip clubs, and other businesses.
The establishment of such businesses “could pose serious threats to the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Damariscotta” without regulation, according to the ordinance.
The ordinance cites evidence that such establishments have negative effects on the surrounding areas, such as “perceived” decreases in property value, and that they “facilitate illicit and undesirable and, in some cases, criminal activities …”
Adult entertainment establishments “can often be incompatible” with surrounding uses, particularly when in close proximity to day cares, homes, houses of worship, parks, schools, and similar areas, according to the draft ordinance.
“It is appropriate to develop requirements and regulations” to control these negative impacts “while not interfering with or intending to address, limit, or otherwise curtail protected speech or expression,” the ordinance states.
The town of Damariscotta needs an opportunity to examine the matter and “provide performance standards and regulations relating to the time, place, and manner of operation of adult entertainment establishments,” according to the ordinance.
The town believes “these facts create an emergency” under state law and make the moratorium “immediately necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, and welfare,” according to the draft ordinance.
The moratorium would ban adult entertainment establishments for 180 days. The Damariscotta Board of Selectmen could vote to extend the ban if necessary.
The vote follows inquiries by Waldoboro businessman and alleged drug dealer Herman “Rusty” Hoffman into moving his business, Hoffman Collectibles, to Damariscotta. The business sells adult toys and pipes, among other items.
The special town meeting warrant also includes an amendment to the shoreland zoning ordinance and a change to the town budget, both minor adjustments.
A public hearing about the warrant items will take place at the town office at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 17. The special town meeting will follow immediately thereafter.
Other business
The town plans to hire a sergeant for the Damariscotta Police Department to replace Deputy Chief Chad Andrews, who resigned Aug. 9.
The sergeant would work when the chief is off duty and share on-call responsibilities with the chief, according to Damariscotta Town Manager Matt Lutkus. The department will advertise for the position.
Miles Memorial Hospital League President Karen Filler presented Damariscotta Police Chief Ron Young with a $1,050 check, enough to wrap up the fundraising campaign to build a kitchen area at the department.
Damariscotta resident Nancy Finnemore started the campaign and attended the presentation.
