About Sandy Springs reporter. (Sandy Springs, GA) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 2, 2020)
JANUARY 2020 ■ www.ReporterNewspapers.net Community | 3 Sandy Spring says new shop is no longer an illegal adult bookstore BY HANNAH GRECO hannah@reiportemewspapers.net A controversial new shop in Sandy Springs is no longer classified as an adult book store that would have been illegal under zoning, city officials say. The Tokyo Valentino store’s property at 6074 Roswell Road is not zoned for an adult bookstore, city spokesperson Sharon Kraun said, and the shop had until Dec. 20 to re duce its sex-related merchandise displays and meet the code. “The business has come into compliance with city code,” Kraun said in a Dec. 23 email. Owner Michael Morrison did not respond to a request for comment. Cary Wiggins, Morrison’s attorney, declined to comment. Tokyo Valentino is an Atlanta-based chain of self-described “erotiques” or “erotic boutiques,” which sells adult costumes, sex toys and videos. The Sandy Springs location opened the week of Dec. 1. According to Kraun, a recent inspection of the store found that more than 25% of the floor area, or the visible part of the store, was devoted to merchandise that has an “em phasis upon the display of specified sexual activities.” She said that meant the store met the code’s legal definition of an adult bookstore. The shop is about two blocks away from the new arts and civic complex City Springs. It falls within the City Springs zoning district, which permits “adult establishments,” including bookstores, according to the zoning’s allowed use table. But the zoning also bars adult establishments within 300 feet of a residential property, which City Attorney Dan Lee said is what made the store illegal. The nature of the business has been a source of curiosity and controversy for months. Previously, Morrison said the store would not be a branch of the Tokyo Valentino chain and would instead be a new venture called Dancer’s Elite Wear, which would sell clothing, shoes and other accessories. But shortly before opening, Morrison amended the license to change the business’s name to Tokyo Valentino and modify the products and goods sold to include “smoking accessories, lingerie and a minimal percentage of adult goods.” On Dec. 21, the store hosted a live DJ, according to its Twitter page. Morrison owns Tokyo Valentino locations on Cheshire Bridge Road and Northside Drive in Atlanta, Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth and Cobb Parkway in Marietta. Morri son also runs a smaller store called Stardust on Buford Highway in Brookhaven. Morri son is currently involved in legal battles with the cities of Atlanta and Brookhaven over the local stores. According to reports from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Morrison recently won an appeal against the city of Atlanta which was trying to shut down the Cheshire Bridge store. The city has been trying to close the shop for years, but in June, a federal appeals court said Morrison can challenge the constitutionality of Atlanta’s adult entertain ment ordinance. Morrison has been in a legal battle over the Stardust store in Brookhaven as well. In February, the Georgia Court of Appeals ruled that Stardust was in contempt for going against a lower court’s ruling to stop operations because it violates a Brookhaven ordi nance regulating sexually oriented businesses, but the shop remains open. The city of Sandy Springs recently finished a 12-year fight against sex shops and strip clubs, leaving only one store other than Tokyo Valentino selling adult entertainment items within city limits. Love Shack, located at 5674 Roswell Road., remains open. No strip clubs are still open within city limits. HANNAH GRECO A sign on the front of the building for the new Tokyo Valentino location in Sandy Springs. THE you know how memory loss can change lives-not only for the person living with it, but the lives of everyone around them. It may be time to consider The Mansions at Alpharetta Assisted Living & Memory Care. We're here to help. Daybreak, our innovative memory care program, provides dignified care, a secure neighborhood and meaningful lifestyle your loved one not only needs, but deserves. You'll be involved every step of the way and have complete peace-of-mind that they are receiving the best of care. Call (470) 338-5064 and schedule your visit today. MANSIONS AT SANDY SPRINGS ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE Our 55+ senior independent living campus has openings! Call (404)720-6013 today for details. 7300 Spalding Drive (near Winter's Chapel) Peachtree Corners, CA 30092 www.TheMansionsatSandySprings.com n e 0 When someone you love has ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE... © THE MANSIONS ss
