Cheshire Bridge Zoning Bill Moves Ahead

The Atlanta Zoning Committee has approved proposed legislation that would force adult businesses to move out of Cheshire Bridge Road within five years.

The bill next moves to the full Atlanta City Council, which meets Monday.

The Georgia Voice reported that the issue has pitted Alex Wan, the only openly gay council member and the sponsor of the legislation, against members of the gay community who favor keeping the businesses open. The Georgia Voice article said,

Wan pointed out the city's planning department and law department fully support the legislation and the city is ready to defend the ordinances in court if approved by the full council. And court is likely where this issue will end up.

"Basically only those who oppose the legislation are adult businesses and developers. I assure you ... there is nothing arbitrary about this," Wan added.

A number of employees of the adult businesses showed up at the Wednesday meeting to show their opposition. However, many residents of surrounding neighborhoods support the idea of phasing out adult businesses.

Courtney Harkness of Morningside said in an email to Patch, "Those of us who signed the neighborhood petition are encouraged by yesterday's Zoning Committee vote, but we know this is far from a done deal. We hope the rest of City Council will have the courage to respect the community's wishes and vote yes on Monday."

She said a petition supporting the legislation was started by the Morningside-Lenox Park, Lindridge Martin Manor and Piedmont Heights neighborhood associations. There is also a Facebook page started by the same group.

It's been an up-and-down journey for the legislation. A few weeks ago, the city zoning review board voted against the bill.

The zoning board vote was 3-2, with yes votes from committee chairwoman Keisha Lance Bottoms; legislation sponsor Alex Wan and Carla Smith. Howard Shook and Ivory Lee Young voted no and Joyce Sheperd abstained.