By Jeremy W. Steele
The Cincinnati Enquirer

WEST CHESTER TWP. - One of the Tristate's fastest-growing communities moved a step closer Tuesday to greater regulation of adult entertainment businesses.

Township trustees presented two ordinances that would tighten zoning codes, require licensing and create a zoning district in the township's southwest corner for "sexually oriented businesses."

Township leaders say they want tough regulations in place before any adult clubs move there. The township has at least four adult entertainment businesses - two stores that sell adult items, a gas station that sells adult magazines and one video store - but no adult nightclubs.

The township hired a consultant to help put together the two ordinances. Planning and Zoning Director Brian Elliff said they should survive court review.

Cleveland State University law and urban planning professor Alan Weinstein, an expert on adult businesses and a township consultant, said sexually oriented businesses can have a negative impact on the surrounding area. He said studies show they can lead to an increase in crime and a decrease in the values of property within 2,000 feet of the businesses.

"If you don't do anything, once they are open, it's practically impossible to shut them down," he said.

One of the ordinances, which trustees plan to vote on at their July 22 meeting, would restrict adult entertainment businesses to West Chester's warehouse district, south of Port Union Road and west of Ohio 747.

It also would require that such a business remain 500 feet from locations of religious worship, schools and other adult businesses.

A second proposed ordinance would require that adult nightclubs be licensed by the township.

No one voiced opposition to the ordinances during public hearings Tuesday night. The ordinances must go through another public hearing and be read twice before trustees can enact them.

E-mail jsteele@enquirer.com