County commission: In other business

By DAVID DECAMP, Times Staff Writer
Published January 9, 2008

GULF LANDINGS: The commission decided to defend itself in a court case alleging Pasco erred in allowing Gulf Landings Development to build multifamily housing last year, despite Commissioner Jack Mariano urging the board to back off. Mariano said plat records and meeting records show that housing density was never part of the original 1958 plan approval for the project in Gulf Harbors, and lower density housing had been planned before 1976. County attorneys, who recommended approval for Gulf Landings, urged defense of Pasco's first order under its "vested rights" development law.

SEX LAW: Proposed changes to the county's sexually oriented business ordinance, sparked by complaints about a Port Richey swingers club, moved ahead without debate. The proposal would broaden the definition of a sexually oriented business to include places where certain body parts are exposed or certain sexual activity takes place. Once a business is labeled "sexually oriented," the county can restrict its location. A final vote and hearing will be held Jan. 22.

Club Elite's attorney, Julian Hayes, said in a interview the club should not be considered a sexually oriented business under the county code. He said if patrons are having sex in the club's private rooms, it's nobody's business, comparing the scenario to a motel.

David DeCamp, Times Staff Writer. Staff writer Jodie Tillman contributed to this report .

[Last modified January 8, 2008, 21:46:05]