In Old Town, The Sex Shop Is a Kiss-Off

[Mugu]

By Allison Klein, Washington Post Staff Writer


To many in Old Town Alexandria, the sex shop that opened recently on King Street is nothing short of scandalous, a historical desecration just blocks from the boyhood home of Robert E. Lee.

But to Michael Zarlenga, it's justice. Zarlenga spent $350,000 on plans to expand his hunting and fishing store, the Trophy Room. He worked with city officials for almost two years and thought he had their support -- until the architectural review board told him he couldn't alter the historic property.

Furious and out of money, Zarlenga rented the space to its newest occupant, Le Tache. "I can't say I didn't know it would ruffle feathers," said Zarlenga, 41. "Actually, I was hoping for a fast-food chain because I thought that would be more annoying to the city."

snip

"I believe it's an inappropriate business to be located in our old and historic district," Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille (D) said of Le Tache. "I get e-mails and calls every day from people who want us to do something to make the business leave."



http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/28/AR2009022801976.html?hpid=topnews">Complete article

[MountainLaurel]

1. Getting Old Town back to its roots

When it was the dingy, sleazy part of town where respectable people didn't tread, instead of the Disney version of a seaport catering to upper-class white yuppies that it pretends to be now.

I remember a similar store on King St. a few years ago that just suddenly disappeared one day.

[rpannier]

2. I need to call the mayor's office immediately

And tell him this business has my total support.

In tough economic times, who are we to chase oaway a legitimate business that could help broaden the tax base?

[onethatcares]

3. though I don't know where this "old town " is,

I agree, a letter to the mayor stating you fully support an enteprenuar (sp) small business enterprise that could lead to many jobs is the only way to go. Let me know if you get a response.:evilgrin:

[WillieW]

10. Close to DC - Alexandria VA.

[dkf]

4. That is kind of funny.

Good for him.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

5. This is funny

With all the crap stores in Old Town, not to mention that ill-dressed tourists who litter my little city all year round, I am cheered to see how the landlord put it to the Architectural Review Board. He had nice plans, but they didn't approve them, so he went with something they couldn't deny.

I remember when Old Town was just a bummy place, really fun. Some good bars, a few places to get a good bite, a quiet and lovely waterfront where you could smoke a joint in peace when the world felt too close. I had a law office down there for many years. We had fun.

Now, it's just Disneyland East.

[msongs]

6. Robert E Lee = slavery, sex = fun. hmmm which one to choose? nt

[OmahaBlueDog]

7. I remember when they bitched about the Pleasure Chest in Georgetown

...and that was 25 years ago.

The councilman needs to be informed that if the business is not illegal, pays its sales tax and rent, and is mindful not to let the underaged in, then it's appropriate and he should STHU

[Redneck Socialist]

8. LOL, something similar happened near where my parents live.

Next town over a dude was running junk yard on the edge of the city limits. The powers that be hassled him constantly. So he closed the junk yard and...wait for it...opened a strip club. Needless to say it was a huge fuck you to the town and of course they eventually shut him down. I at least, thought it was hysterically funny.

I kind of admired his "fuck you" spirit.

One Edit: Oops! Meant to reply to the OP. Too lazy to delete and retype.

[OmahaBlueDog]

9. LOL

That is a great story!

[Strong Atheist]

11. Beat me to it! Good job!

:D

[arcadian]

12. Ye Olde Sexe Shoppe & Pleasure Emporium

[aikoaiko]

13. reminds me of the video gaming 'casinos' in SC that turned to all nude strip clubs

when video poker was banned.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

14. Mayor sounds like a capitalist hating fascist

Call and tell him that.