Parish battling sex zone

But a proposed change in the town of Clifton Park's zoning law could allow such establishments.

"I think it would have a real negative impact on us as a church," said Bill Malloy, co-chairperson of the parish building committee. "We have about 1,000 children attending our religious education program, and we have concerns regarding their safety and about the visual impact of having [an adult sex-oriented business] down the street."

Zoning issue

A moratorium on applications for sex-oriented businesses has been extended twice and will last for another six months. The town hired a consultant, and a committee of town residents and business owners has met to determine potential areas for these businesses in order to minimize the impact on homes and businesses.

This committee decided that Wood Road, which is in a light industrial zone, would be the best place for any sex shops. But Corpus Christi Church is located just down Route 9, and the parish is planning expansion and construction that would bring its buildings even closer to Wood Road. There would be a 1,500-foot buffer zone between the parish property line and any new sex-oriented businesses.

Reason for law

"It's a proactive step, so if there ever is an application, they can't go into one of our strip malls or heavily traveled retail areas where our kids and families go every day," he said.

The idea of having sex shops on a street so close to Corpus Christi still doesn't sit well with parishioners, including Pat Malloy, coordinator of the parish social action committee. She has presented the town council with a petition signed by parishioners opposed to adult businesses being developed on Wood Road.

Concerns

"We're concerned that that type of illicit behavior will take place in our parking lot," she said. "We also have over 1,000 children who attend our religious education program, and we're very concerned about that."

In addition, an adult sex-oriented business on Wood Road could be seen by passing motorists on the Northway, and Mrs. Malloy doesn't want them getting the wrong impression of the town. "I don't want that kind of advertisement in Clifton Park," she said.

Taking a stand

"Why can't a town take a stand, regardless of Supreme Court precedent, against these kinds of businesses anywhere?" he asked.

Paul Pelagalli, town attorney and a Corpus Christi parishioner, said that by not amending town zoning law, sex shops could be built anywhere in town.

"If we did nothing, the fact that we don't have an adult-use zone means the whole town is available to adult businesses," he said. "It would be ill-advised because I would not want to be put in a position to not have the town board do anything and have one of these businesses right next to Corpus Christi. We don't want one of these establishments next to a church."

For now, the Malloys are pleased that the town council has voted to extend the moratorium on sex shops in town. "It gives us a little breathing room and a chance to muster some support," Mr. Malloy said.

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