Citizens sign petition opposing location of Hustler Hollywood adult shop in former IHOP

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) — Citizens lined up to sign a petition Monday, Oct. 17 to try to prevent a new adult shop from opening on Financial Plaza in Shreveport.

“I live in this area; so I just want to keep it safe and clean,” Stacie Rathbun explained. “And I don’t feel like that kind of store represents what we want in our neighborhood.”

Kitty Batteron agreed.

“I don’t see the point of it being here. It doesn’t enhance the community. It doesn’t build anything up. It doesn’t move up in any area of progression.”

The drive-up petition drive was held by District G City Council candidate Derrick L. Henderson from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday at 7601 Pines Rd. in an effort to stop the new Hustler Hollywood adult shop from opening in a former IHOP restaurant. He and his supporters believe the new business should not open within walking distance of the two schools in the area, Huntington High and Turner Elementary.

“As a parent, that disturbed me,” Patricia McCann said. “If they can come this close to a school, they can also start influencing our children to participate in various activities that’s not conducive to good behavior.”

Brad Gentry also doesn’t like it. “I don’t have any kids in school anymore, but I think it’s definitely not a good thing to have.”

As KSLA News 12 previously reported, the Metropolitan Planning Commission said as of right now Hustler Hollywood appears to be a retail outlet store because it doesn’t sell enough adult items to be considered otherwise. However, the MPC added, the Shreveport Police Department makes the call on whether the store is officially an adult store or a sexually oriented business.

If it’s found to be a sexually oriented business, Hustler Hollywood would need a special-use permit that would require a public hearing and a neighborhood participation plan where they would meet with the neighborhood to explain what’s happening at that location.

Shreveport Councilman Jerry Bowman Jr. issued the following statement on Tuesday, Oct. 18:

“In regards, to the recent alarm about the Hustler Hollywood store in West Shreveport, I share the same concerns as my constituents. I do not want any operation in my district that would degrade the moral integrity of our community. The welfare of the people in District G is of utmost concern to me.

I want everyone to know that prior to the recent concerns, I was not previously made aware of this business. This matter did not come before the City Council. Such zoning issues are typically handled by the Metropolitan Planning Commission and the Shreveport Police Department. It only comes to the level of the Council when there is an appeal. I am working with officials at the MPC and SPD and have been assured that the matter is currently under review.”

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