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Published Saturday, November 22, 2008 in Local
Adult chain Starship plans store at Thomas Crossroads
The Times-Herald
Adult movie and "novelty" chain Starship plans to open a location at Thomas Crossroads.
Starship was granted a building permit Friday to make alterations to the building at 3209 Highway 34 East. The building was most recently a 24-hour gym. It's located between Rite-Aid and Crossroads Mobile Home Park.
Though Starship is well-known as a purveyor of sex toys, pornographic DVDs and other "adult" items, the applicants say the Thomas Crossroads location will not qualify as a "sexually-oriented business" under Coweta's ordinances.
The county's ordinances regulate the placement of sexually-oriented businesses, including "adult bookstores."
But for a store to be considered a sexually-oriented business, "adult" items must constitute 25 percent or more of inventory, floor area, gross sales, or employee full-time equivalents.
There are two general categories of items that count toward the 25 percent. One is pornography, including books, magazines, films, pictorial materials, etc., that "are intended to provide sexual stimulation or sexual gratification to such customers, and which are distinguished by or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities, or specified anatomical areas."
The other category includes sex toys, defined in the county's ordinance as "instruments, devices, or paraphernalia that are designed for stimulation of human genital organs, for sadomasochistic use or abuse, or for use in conjunction with 'specified sexual activities,' excluding condoms and other birth control and disease prevention products."
Coweta's sexually-oriented business ordinance restricts sexually-oriented businesses to industrially-zoned areas, at least 1,000 feet from any homes, churches, schools, parks, daycare centers and the like.
Starship currently has 19 stores in Georgia and one in Tennessee. Several are "percentage" stores, such as the one proposed for Coweta.
"We've got several stores that are limited to a certain percentage of adult" merchandise, said Kelly Rogers, president and CEO of Starship Enterprises.
"Every county, every city has an adult ordinance, and you have to carry a certain percentage of adult material to be considered an adult store," said Rogers, a Coweta County resident.
"As long as you stay below that percentage, you're just a general retail store."
The closest Starship store to Coweta is on Old National Highway in College Park. But the Thomas Crossroads store won't be anything like that one, Rogers said.
"The Old National store is a full adult store," Rogers said. The Coweta store "will be a lot different."
In addition to the adult merchandize, the Coweta store will carry items such as lotions and bath products, lighting items such as lava lamps, black lights and strobe lights, some general interest movies, lingerie, clothing, fresh cigars in a humidor, candles and incense, party supplies, pipes, tobacco products and "all kinds of different stuff," Rogers said.
The non-adult items actually sell pretty well, he said. "We sell a lot of the lotions and creams and bath" products.
The recently opened location in Jonesboro is a better example of what the Coweta store will be like, Rogers said.
Though it won't qualify as a sexually-oriented business, the store won't allow anyone under 18 inside.
Coweta County has an ordinance regulating sexually-oriented businesses because such businesses can't be completely forbidden, because of First Amendment issues. If a strip club wanted to locate in Coweta, for instance, it would have to meet the zoning regulations, and the license representative would have to pass background checks. Alcohol licenses are not allowed for sexually-oriented businesses either.
In a letter dated Nov. 18, Coweta Assistant Attorney Nathan Lee told attorney Allen Begner, who represents Starship, the county would issue the building permit "based upon your assurances that the store will not qualify as a sexually-oriented business within the meaning of applicable ordinance."
Lee also says in the letter that "based upon Coweta County's understanding of Starship Enterprises' business model, it has serious concerns that the store ... will be a sexually oriented business."
Coweta County Commission Chairman Tim Higgins said the commission would like to prohibit "these types of businesses in the county, but we have been advised that we cannot legally do so. The board has put into place an ordinance which we believe places the strictest restrictions permitted by law on these types of businesses."
Begner said Starship has every intention of complying with Coweta's rules.
"Of course, the county is not happy about us opening, but we meet the requirements," Begner said. "They can't stop us and so I appreciate the fact they don't try, on a pretext, and make me sue them, and we get open anyway."
"We understand that, when we open, we will have to not only meet the requirements, we expect to be audited," Begner added. "We are good neighbors. We intend not to push the envelope, and stay in compliance."
Until the store is stocked, "it is not completely clear what column certain things that are not clearly one or the other need to go in," Begner said. "We expect to have a discussion on that. We want the input of the county folks who are involved in the decision," he said.
The definitions are in the ordinance, so Begner doesn't expect there to be much confusion. If there is a disagreement, "then we'll probably put it in their column and either let it go, or try to get a declaratory judgment," he said.
"I think that, over time, we won't have caused any trouble," Begner said. "We really police our premises. People don't loiter in our parking lots, and there's no viewing booths.
"We expect to be a good citizen," Begner said. "We do this a lot. And I do expect to comply with the county's laws, and if we don't, we would meet the consequences."
Commenting on this story has ended.
"As for the tobacco products that we sell NOTHING IS INTENDED FOR ILLEGAL USE!" This is what Mr. Rogers says. Then why would a cop search or charge you when finding this drug paraphenalia on your person? Why would you need fancy pipes and bongs and scales?!?! You're tiptoeing on the illegal Mr. Rogers and YOU KNOW IT! Oh, and I would hate for our local economy to miss out on the porn clerk jobs, I'm sure they pay very well.
Posted by Concerned at 11:43 PM
I do not approve of a Starship store being opened at Thomas Crossroads. There are too many daycares, churches, neighborhoods and an elementary school nearby. I have read the comments that churches do not pay taxes and therefore have no right to complain or protest when certain types of businesses open nearby. I attend Cornerstone UMC which does not pay taxes, but I also live in the Thomas Crossroads area and I pay property taxes. I don't see where a porn/drug paraphernalia shop will improve the value of my property. Pornography and drug abuse are enough of a problem already. I see no reason to encourage those things. For the record, yes, I am a Christian and yes, I have been in a Starship.
Posted by Terri Smith at 11:21 PM
Since no one has done this here, i want to say thank you for your contributions as Santa and you generous donations.
Posted by JT Perry at 11:05 PM
Voter's in Coweta county voted for the sell of beer and wine on Sunday !! But now they want to cry fowl when " Starship " opens up !!!! Why not welcome them to the area !! Better yet going buy them a cold beer on Sunday afternoon !!!!
Posted by Frank at 10:59 PM
Citizen, I dont give a flip what Billy Ball thinks. Is he not going to hell for being judgemental?
Posted by Joe the Stumbler at 10:25 PM
I see this as the beginning of a slow chipping away of our community. I cannot believe that the county would even begin to allow a store like this to be placed in this area of town. I know it has been said over and over, but IT IS DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE METHODIST CHURCH THAT ALSO RUNS A PRESCHOOL DURING THE WEEK! Not only this, but it is also near other preschools and near neighborhoods. It is across the street from grocery stores and family restaurants like Chik Filet where families with young children do their business. It saddens me to think that we could in the very near future have to deal with the likes of busineses like these, because once one goes in, others of this type will more than likely follow. I think that this business will bring down the value of our neighborhoods and I worry about the clientel that it will attract. Not that our county does not already have problems, but I think that this store will only add to our problems not lessen them. I am really starting to lose my faith in our county. Money talks.
Posted by TM at 10:15 PM
Hey Kelly Rogers, We were born and raised in the south brother! We don't need your store around here. We don't take likely to your kind. You might think it's manifest destiny to put your store in here, but it ain't brother. Do youself a favor and keep that crap in ghetto's of Atlanta. That's right, I said it.
Posted by David Davidson at 10:06 PM
It's a store people. Either go or don't. They're not going to have a sidewalk sale and have all there items sitting out for people to drive by and see.
Posted by nn at 9:57 PM
Dear Kelly Rogers, Welcome to our community. I only ask that you please keep the store in an asthetically pleasing condition from the ouside. Please don't let it become run down and trashy looking from the street. For all others throwing stones. Give them a chance. You know some christians have great marriages due in part to their great sex lives! This one included!
Posted by starship enterprise at 9:37 PM
It does not bring unwanteds. Starship is located in several nice areas of atlanta metro. They are in Paulding county, Cheerokee county, Forsyth County and Cobb county. All of those places are very nice still!
Posted by Ryan at 9:22 PM
As a long time resident of Coweta, I am utterly appalled that this type of business would be given the slightest consideration of opening here, much less it becoming a reality. I used to belong the the once-24-hr-gym and often wondered what could possibly replace it. Now we know-a sexually-oriented business! Say what you will, but that's exactly what it is. Oh, yeah, you say that since you won't have 25% or more adult items, your business is not sexually-oriented as defined by Coweta's ordinances: "As long as you stay below that percentage, you're just a general retail store." said Mr. Rogers, Coweta resident and president and CEO of Starship Enterprises. Using this rationale, there is simply nothing wrong with allowing such a trashy, degenerate and deviant business such as this in our neighborhood because, after all, the amount of adult items fall below the 25% mark, so this is not an adult store. What nonsense! Contradiction abounds with this line of thinking. Stop and think, why would people under the age of 18 not be allowed in the store if, indeed, it wasn't an adult store? Extra precautionary methods? I think not. Although Starship Coweta may not qualify as a sexually-oriented store, it'll sure resemble one. Remember the old addage, if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck...you know the rest. Mr. Rogers has made it clear that even though the county doesn't want him here, he wouldnt' change his plans if he could: "I am locked into a lease at this location but I would not change it if I could, I am just like any other retail establishment in the county, location is everything. I need exposure to bring the clientele into the store. I did not locate here to offend the churches are to hurt the kids and I don’t see no way it will harm the children of our community." Let me get this straight, he could locate his business in an industrial zone, but since it won't be technically seen as a sexually-oriented store (it fall below the 25% qualification), he's going to take advantage of the situation by putting this filth smack dab in the middle of Thomas Crossroads where churches, daycare centers and schools abound. And, to add insult to injury, he says he doesn't want to offend anyone while offending just about everyone. Excuse me? What it all boils down to is money. If he truly cared about offending people-the community-he'd take his business of business of abomination elsewhere. But, he won't because, as he put it, "location is everything." This situation brings to mind several questions: Where is Crossroads Church's voice in all this? Afterall, Starship Coweta is about to land in their backyard. And, how will you feel the next time you swing on by Chick-Fil-A only to look out the window across the street and see the Enterprise in all its deviant non-glory? But, most of all, what will Billy Ball think? Cause you know he's coming...
Posted by Citizen at 8:54 PM
I cannot believe that this filth is coming to Coweta County of all places! Where's Crossroads Church's voice? St. Mary Magdelene? All others in between? I wonder how this'll look as you sit eating your Chick-Fil-A biscuit across the street. Funny thing is good ol' Cayeta County couldn't serve a brewsk on Sunday to save its life, but, heck, we'll just let the adult shop roll right in near churces, child care centers and schools surrounding this abomination. What nonsense!
Posted by Heavenlybeast at 7:27 PM
Fellow Christians, stop casting blame. The devil is everywhere. It is what you do that makes a difference. Last time I attended church with my family, the preachers daughter had an affair with my husband. Choose your battles wisely. Look at the person sitting next to you at church and question their motives and intent. I sure do now. At least Kelly Rogers is up front and honest about his business unlike some of the people sitting next to you on Sunday mornings. If you all think Starship coming to town is the root of all evils, ha...wake up and open your eyes. Sin and evil has been here forever, maybe we do need more churches in town, but Starship is not the reason for it.
Posted by Celene at 4:35 PM
Mr. Rogers, I would like for you to explain what I should tell my 10 year old son when asks what kind of store is that???? Did you think that your were going to get 100% support from our community??? I understand that you conformed to the county regulations, but that does not mean I have to support you! Many people have referred to "freedom of speech" in regards to this article - well I am choosing to exercise my "freedom of speech" rights by expressing my disappoint about this store.
Posted by KS at 4:24 PM
The only reason all these people don't want the Starship in Newnan is they are afraid they will run into someone they know. They would rather drive to the other stores.
Posted by Robert at 4:18 PM
Matthew 7:1 ¶ Judge not, that ye be not judged. Who gives anyone the right to judge one man for his accomplishments that does not affect him directly. Because Walmart sells alcohol, we are to shut it down because you don't agree with it. God will punish those that are not right in his mind. For all you to scorn this poor man trying to make a living, I feel shame on you. Starship needs no approval from you bigots.
Posted by John at 4:11 PM
Once again we get to hear how we dont need this in our community. It is his right as a business to be profitable and growth in a area that will support the business. Why does everyone have to complain about everything. First is was Sunday alchol sales now this. If you don't like this type of store dont shop there. Plain and simple. Don't try and force your ideas and beliefs on everyone. Be thankful that we have a new business coming to the county. It seems more are closing than opening ie. Circuit City, Linen n Things, TGIF, Chili's. I say Welcome to Coweta County and I hope Mr. Rogers does well in his venture. Also to the writer that lives in the trailer park next door. I guess the Starship is worse than someone dying in the trailer park from a drug overdose is better.
Posted by Robert at 4:04 PM
I live in the trailer park right next to this location and go to Cornerstone UMC! I am appalled at the idea that my son's school bus will pass by this proposed store everyday. I don't care to have this type of business so close to small children, especially the type of clientel lingering around the area. Citizens please help Newnan stop this action!!
Posted by Michelle Fluke at 3:47 PM
Spencer, I do show respect. I did not choose the location due to the proximity to the church. I searched Newnan and Coweta County for over a year looking for a location and found this one about 6 months ago. It was the best location I could find at the time. I think I have been respectful but I'm not receiving the same.
Posted by Kelly Rogers at 3:28 PM
For all those that keep saying we the people do not want the store are prudes and such. I'm not. I am curious though why Mr. Rogers didn't open it up in Senoia. He did not mind in letting the public know how he supports his child's band and community activities. Several readers are correct on points-you do not have to visit the store and if people do not visit his business will fail! We will continue to write and petition and do all that we can do to get the business closed. Johns Creek store closed down and the citizens used all legal avenues. Rite Aid I am so sorry for you. I do think it will impact your business and not in a positive way.
Posted by no name at 3:22 PM
Its a free country for a reason. If you want to open a store, open a store. If the community wants to shut him down, then shut him down. Let him have his try at it, and if he fails he fails, the world will still spin...
Posted by Steve at 2:55 PM
I just don't get it! Why can't you be happy that a business is even OPENING in Coweta county? You don't have to go in there, you don't even have to LOOK that way! It has been said that America has become a nation of whiners, well, I didn't believe it, really until you all proved it. Boo hoo, get over it, grow up! Stop complaining!
Posted by SouthernBell at 2:31 PM
The only thing I can say is that I am very disappointed that this type of store is coming into our community. I am sure that Mr. Rogers is going to have the store light up like the others- tacky and cheap looking! Coweta, the next Clayton County!
Posted by KS at 2:23 PM
I don't have an issue with its opening nor what they sell, however the location is wrong on 2 counts;First, adjacent to a church much less proximity to 3 churches and 4 day cares. Secondly, I question the location, in regards to business traffic, there will be considerably less at Thomas Cross Roads than would be around the Newnan Pavillion area. This questions motive! Are they seeking free advertisement by targeting the Religious community due to its adversive nature. Knowing full well that the knee-jerk reaction will spark contraversy from the church. If this be their tactic then they brought the "resistance" from the community on themselves. If one seeks respect then one must show respect.
Posted by Spencer at 2:09 PM
I do not wish to get into a struggle over religion and moral values, but I would like to address some of the questions that have been posted to this forum. I am locked into a lease at this location but I would not change it if I could, I am just like any other retail establishment in the county, location is everything. I need exposure to bring the clientele into the store. I did not locate here to offend the churches are to hurt the kids and I don’t see no way it will harm the children of our community. I do not run a dark seedy store nor do I want to locate it in a dark industrial area. I have no plan of painting the building no wild colors or hanging any kind of signs that would suggest immoral materials. As for the tobacco products that we sell NOTHING IS INTENDED FOR ILLEGAL USE! If someone even mentions any illegal terms they are immediately asked to leave the premises. People can question my moral values and beliefs but until they know me as a person all they are doing is judging me, and from what I have learned from attending church is Thou Shall Not Judge. As I stated before if you don’t like our kind of business don’t shop with us, but don’t try to force people who do wish for this kind of business not to shop with us. I am fully confident that this store will succeed because the need for such a business exists. I will close this letter with saying you can’t blame your county government for me being allowed to open in this location because as long as we abide by the county ordinance we have the right to be located at this location. As for the concerns that this 1 store is going to trash the whole community, we are located in a lot of upscale counties and have not hurt those counties whatsoever.
Posted by Kelly Rogers at 1:57 PM
People.....have you read the paper? There was a convicted felon shot dead by police Saturday night near ECHS and an armed man shot and killed a 14 year old and himself Sunday off Hwy 154 and injured another. The murder suspect from the Fairburn car wash last week was arrested in Palmetto (our neighbor) and his car was found on Cannongate Road. Yes, all this in the past week and you think your county is Great??? It seems that we all need to go to Starship and buy our toys and stay home on the weekends to insure we will be alive on Monday. Vibrators don't kill, people do.
Posted by Slinky at 1:56 PM
Joe M, you seem to think there is going to be a fight over this store. What law do you intend to use to keep this store from opening? They are within their rights, there is no law saying they cannot open their business at this location. You say this is the beginning of the resistance this store will face, it seems that the comments on this board are slightly more positive toward this store than negative. Again the easiest way to shut this store down is to not patronize the store. If they are not doing business then it will shutdown, as all of the other businesses have done in this location. I think the bigger issue is you and others here do not want this store, some do not like it at this location, so since you do not want it there then it should not be there. I always find it interesting that churches and children are used as excuses for why people do not want something that others may want. Again when Churches start paying taxes then Churches should be able to have a voice in what goes on with the community. Religion has killed more people than drugs, maybe we should ban churches!
Posted by Scott at 1:19 PM
I have to clarify something I said previously so that it wouldn't be misinterpreted. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were not destroyed because of 'adult bookstores or sexual toys', they were destroyed because of sexual perversion, man having a sexual relationship with another man instead of with a woman. God created Adam, then said it was not good for him to be alone so He created Eve, blessed them and told them to be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it. I and convinced they did well without 'sexual toys'. Regarding the 'all kinds of different stuff that Kelly Rogers mentioned, that is a whole other issue. I don't want this store in Coweta county, and I'm NOT some old 'prude', I am a Christian and all Christians aren't 'prudes'! We should be lining our lives up with the Word of God and letting the Lord lead us. We do make mistakes, we ask Him for forgiveness and move on. Sometimes I 'react' in a way that isn't loving, but I must be corrected by the Lord and 'act' as I let Jesus lead me.
Posted by Sharon at 1:04 PM
I have read most all of these comments,I really dont care if they open or not,it's up to me if i go in or not,Give the store a chance if they mess up then getem, if no leavem them aloneso the can conduct business like everyone else. Stop all the whining.
Posted by CHARLIE at 12:51 PM
Mr Rogers can't reconsider his location now.. He's stuck with a lease. Why don't you take some of your outrage out on the actual property owner? Thank that person for allowing Mr Rogers to sign a lease on their oh so beautiful metal building.
Posted by John Seymour at 12:31 PM
While I will never shop there, I do not oppose it opening. If you think this store should be shut down, then so do the churches. Im pretty sure the amount of churches in this town would make a lot of atheists and other non christians mad, but they dont complain and neither do you, because you go there. If you think this should not open, Hooters should be closed. That restuarant is about the exploitaion of women and anyone who says they go there for the wings is a complete liar. Starship has just as much right to cater to their customer base as any church does. Welcome to America, you do not like it, bye. Plenty of middle eastern countries place restrictions on everything, have at...
Posted by Steve at 12:12 PM
Mr. Rogers, This is just the beginning of the resistance you are going to get. You hear that? It's not the sound of people's concern "dying down." RECONSIDER YOUR LOCATION! If you care about the community and those "children who you like to bring a smile to" by playing Santa, PUT THE STORE IN A DIFFERENT SPOT!
Posted by Joe M at 11:30 AM
Freedom! Is this a free country or not? People should live and let live! I will welcome this store and any other legal operation. "FREEDOM" as William Wallace once said.
Posted by JR at 11:26 AM
Let me say up front - I have no problem with Starship doing business in Coweta. A new business in our town is a good thing. My only concern is - like most people say - the location. Mr. Rodgers, the location of this store would be no good for your business. The Chick-Fil-A crowd will be the first to picket your store. Maybe we won't be seen if we just park our vehicle at Rite-Aid and walk over to your store. (Rite Aid will be calling the cops to tow cars away - trust me) I would pick a more discreet location (where until our community accepts you - and realizes that having your store here will not bring the riff-raff - we will need that discretion)- Possible location: - The strip mall next to E-KA and Dollar General.
Posted by The Kith at 11:24 AM
My property value has already went in the potty and all the while unemployment rates increase!! I live less than 2 miles from the store and all the empty stores in the Thomas Crossroads area...!! Please open more retail...employ more people. Now if we could just get some high paying jobs into the community we just might be fine. The county is not doing enough to emcourage the politically correct type of development so at this point I personally will take whatever we can get. For pete's sake people....if anyone wants any of the products that this store sells..they can buy them. This is America..not illegal.
Posted by Donna at 11:13 AM
I would like to wish Stasrship the best of luck.
Posted by j at 11:13 AM
Uh, i believe the convenience store on the corner sells pipes and bongs and nudie mags...and you don't have to be 18 to enter...
Posted by A Realist at 11:07 AM
It seems several of you need to re-read the article, in addition to the First Amemdment to the Constitution! The article clearly states that this business is being approved as a regular business (under the 25% threshhold for adult-type material). Therefore, there are no restrictions such as the 1000 foot requirement about churches, daycares, etc. The plain simple fact is this is the United States. People have freedom to have a business or shop at a location, or to not shop at a location. They even have the right to contact the county commission or to protest. The great thing about this country is that we allow people to excersize their rights, even if we don't personally agree with them. If you have a moral sense against this sort of thing, then feel free to go to church, organize, preach, whatever you want to try to sway people not to use these businesses. However, don't try to use the force of law to impose your personal moral beliefs on people. Regarding the tobacco, pipe, etc sales. Remember that there is a tobacco establishment just down the road across from the CVS and Dominoes (or at least there used to be) in the small plaza where the Congressman's office used to be. This hasn't brought destruction to the area.
Posted by Citizen at 11:06 AM
I think Starship will be a great addition to our county, and i will definitely be a patron there from day one! If people who are against this store opening do not want to shop there, then just don't go in. I have been to other Starship stores and, trust me, if you do not have a valid ID, you will not be allowed entry to the store. So, yes, they do card everyone at the door! Whether or not you find the contents an issue morally, this store is protected by Constitutional First Ammendment rights. So, yes, the County does have to allow them to open. And from what i read, they are going to keep the adult material under 25% of the store contents, so, under the County's own ordinance, they WILL not be considered an Adult Business, so they ARE allowed to be wherever they choose. YAY! The 1000 ft rules DO NOT apply here. People, why don't you actually READ the article before you go posting WRONG information... Also, for those of you who have wonder how you will explain to your children, just DON'T point it out. The storefronts are not obvious sex store fronts. So, just stop fighting it and get a clue already. I can't wait for you guys to open!!! Go Starship!
Posted by LS at 11:01 AM
Thanks a lot for coming to trash our neighborhood and bring down our property values. I'm sure Rite Aid is just going to love it, being the closest neighbor and all. I hope they set up a web cam in their parking lot.
Posted by Kenny at 10:58 AM
Mr. Rogers, This news article did more harm than good for you, I'm afraid. The responses below are just a very, very small sampling of the outrage that is being expressed by your soon to be sex and drug store opening. Personally, I have received many emails in the last couple of days outlining ways to shut down your business. You threatened a fight...you're about to get one. Our community will not allow you stay in business. Just wait, watch and see.
Posted by Grace at 10:57 AM
People just get over it. Sex has been part of society since the beginning of time. In today's trouble times, I think the general public have greater worries then where and when Starship is opening. People are outraged about Starship opening in Newnan, and what it will do the morality of our community, shouldn't morality be taught at home. Plus I am sure there is nothing in Starship that most teenagers have not seen in music videos, the internet, myspace or on TV. Maybe we all need to live by the old saying "Those who live in glass houses should not throw the frist stone." I rather my children see a Starship store then picket signs at Walmart that show aborted babies and juding others because of their sexual orientation. Good for you Kelly Rogers for fighting for what you believe in and I just want to know where I can sign up for the mailing list.
Posted by fems at 10:47 AM
Last month, I was ecstatic about passing the "liquor by the drink" law. It will be nice to keep money spent outside the county, in the county. I laughed as I read all of the "bible thumping" comments, just as I laughed this morning at this article. Give the guy a chance. If he follows all of the strict Coweta laws, it is just more money spent in our town. You uptight religious people may actually see a "different light" if you stepped inside and actually bought a few things to take home. Not to worry though, they put everything in a brown bag so your neighbors wont see!!! WOOHOO!!!
Posted by Not a religious prude! at 10:43 AM
Will you or will you NOT, be selling DRUG/CRACK pipes, bongs and stuff? A simple Yes or No question, please reply.
Posted by Soooo at 10:17 AM
I think for most of us sex and toys aren't the issue here. I grew up near Jonesboro then lived in Fayetteville before moving to Newnan. I'm quite aware of the areas where the two stores are located. They are in seedy sections of these towns and I feel I can speak for many people and say this is the big fear for our community. My family and I moved here 4 years ago from Fayette county and we fell in love with the slow pace and the shopping and the restaurants that have come to Newnan. And we love how the county has gone to great lengths to make these ammenities conform nicely to the surroundings and you don't feel like you are driving through Riverdale. As disapointed as I am Starship is coming, I hope the county will make Starship conform to our surroundings and not allow black lights and neon paint to light the path to its doors.
Posted by AJ at 10:15 AM
I am all for economic development and the ability in this country to open your own business. But there is an appropriate time and place for everything. The particular location of this Starship store is inappropriate. It is close to more than two churches, one of which will be able to see the Starship store while sitting in church. There are also daycares extremely close by. I drive by Thomas Crossroads several times a day with my toddler, and am not looking forward to answering the question, “Mommy, what’s Starship?” The argument Mr. Rogers makes about Starship being “just a general retail store” is invalid. Let’s not kid ourselves. If you have to be 18 years old to enter the store, that should say enough. And if I want to buy “lotions and bath products,” Starship will not be the first store I think of to get those products. Mr. Rogers, I am not saying don’t open a store in Coweta County, but I am saying please build it elsewhere.
Posted by AW at 10:06 AM
If any store meets zoning requirements they get in. That's just a fact. If people want to spice up their bedroom lives, who cares? For all the protests around the "trash" that will come to the area, have these people any basis for their assumption? Are they staking out the Jonesboro store? Get real people. If you protest on Christian grounds, remember that this is a country that just elected Barack Obama. It's not the 1950s anymore. Stand outside the store and share Christ with the patrons if you think they're so bad.
Posted by Christian realist at 10:00 AM
Waaaaaaaahoooooooooo.............finally no more shipping fees!!!
Posted by Slinky at 9:56 AM
Im not worried about this place coming to town. Although it is only 2 minutes from my home. I am confident that is unwanted and will be shut down with in a year. We are a small southern town that does not approve of these things. They are only getting in on a technicality and will soon realize what a poor investment they made.
Posted by NN at 9:56 AM
If being against selling drug stuff and crack pipes makes me a prude, so be it. And don't kid yourself that the 18 yr old High schooler's won't be shopping there & then reselling the pipes to younger kids.
Posted by ha at 9:53 AM
You know, God love you, that any "comic book" store in town has their little back room of goodies for the locals. Old Kroger shopping center for one. In Riverdale it was Farr's Comic Book Store, probably still there. Time honored tradition in the dirty magazine word.
Posted by Sandy at 9:24 AM
I love how the same people who are saying that the company who wants to open this can because of the First Amendment, THEN they go around telling those that are in disagreement with this store to shut up and go away. Lovely. And just because we may not like this type of store at such a major intersection we are prudes who never have sex. And we are the closed minded ones?
Posted by A mom at 9:14 AM
This will bring nothing but trash to the area. They are comparing the store to a store in Jonesboro. That should give us an idea of what is to come. Get ready for trash, drugs and crime. Thanks Starship for being so trashy.
Posted by Josh at 9:02 AM
quit complaining,you and your commisioners voted for developement, now you got it.newnan was a quiet little town, city of homes, now we are full of hotels,motels,restarunts,now we got liquor by the drink on sunday it was just a matter of time. some of our old commiss.,your vote and mine is how we got what we have. you reap what you sow. welcome kelly rogers i believe you buisness will suceed .get er done
Posted by wayne at 8:43 AM
...sorry to tell folk, but teens already "have stuff" for sex and it is obvious they are using it with all of the teen pregnancy. If one teen goes in and buys/uses one condom then it has contributed to society. You parents screaming are the ones that drop your kids off to "see a movie", go "shopping" unsupervised. Trust me those are the teens using their God given talents.
Posted by Susan at 8:33 AM
I think its great that there is going to be a Starship here. With the economy as bad as it is this would provide jobs for those who need it. Cant you people just grow up sex is a part of life. Some people like to experiment with thier sex lives and have some fun. Join the rest of us in the 21st century
Posted by BH at 8:32 AM
If you build it...they will come;) Personally I could careless, again it is choice to go there. If some of your men choose to go there, they are doing so after their Sunday drink after church. Face it ladies, I promise you that hubby already goes to Old National Hwy. You just think he's gone to Home Depot.
Posted by Susan at 8:26 AM
I am very disappointed and very concerned about the opening of the Starship adult store at Thomas Crossroads. I had hoped those in authority in Coweta County were of better character than to allow this to happen. Why should the base nature of man be fed by allowing an adult store open anywhere when we see sexual crimes on the increase? It's bad enough that there aren't tougher laws to control perversion on the internet, but when it's allowed to be sold in our shopping areas? Where are your values? Do you not know that the "love of money is the root of all evil?" Do you want to be the one responsible for the demise of another person's character because you can make money feeding his lusts? And what if he rapes a child after feeding his lustful appetite? Do you want to be a link in the chain of the crime? We will all stand before the Judgement seat of Christ one day and will give account of our lifestyle here on earth. What will you tell Him on that day? It's time to repent of our sin before that day arrives. God loves us but He hates sin... remember Sodom and Gomorrah?
Posted by Sharon at 1:54 AM
I certainly hope Kelly Rogers means what he says about freedom of speech, because I have a feeling he won't appreciate having protestors outside his store exercising their freedom to peacably assemble.
Posted by ltcdunk at 1:18 AM
Okay, Coweta Assistant Attorney Nathan Lee, convince us citzens with doubts that the Starship will not be within 1,000 feet of any homes, schools, churches, daycare centers and the like. This is a questionable point with a lot of us so lets throw the ball in your court and let you give us some accurate distances to any of the above. Thanking you in advance.
Posted by Jimmy at 12:21 AM
And on the issue of your legal representation, why would you threaten legal action against a town that is unwilling to have you? It is only a look at things to come. If you're so unwelcomingly recieved, why pursue a business in a location that has only seen a chain of failures over the past ten years? Food for thought.
Posted by MC at 12:15 AM
While I respect your right to open this store, and engage of the selling of the products you sell, why pick a town and location to do it in?! I look at this as a scar that will only make Newnan less desireable to those who want a great community for their children to grow up in. Who is going to move to a town where the "porn & drug supply" shop is located next to the church and daycare?! Please do us a favor and consider another location. Newnan is a town built on very strong moral values, and this does nothing but lower our standards. Providing these products makes us look like a community full of porn addicts and druggies. Newnan has a charm that will forever be tarnished if this happens.
Posted by MC at 12:12 AM
Please tell me "Mr Kelly" why would you think it is OK to open your sex/drug shop so close to a Church and private residences? The trailer park is very close, and the Church is just across the street. Why not take your business to a more industrial zone? OH how about trying to open your store in PTC? They seem way more open minded there! Oh, I know why because you can't afford their higher property costs and they would run you out of town so fast your head would spin. Time to pack up and move I guess, our lovely home is going to be lower in value but at least I won't have to live in what will be the armpit of Coweta.
Posted by TC resident at 10:39 PM
You have a right to start a business but you need to consider your location. Thomas Crossroads is not the place for this. The amount of children passing daily to the school and day care centers not to mention the mobile home park right next door with families is not appropriate. I have lived nearby for 19 years and I guess I have you to thank now for my property value going in the toilet. No one is going to want to live or purchase a house so close to a business such as this. I have visited one of your stores but it was in a place surrounded by nothing but businesses for miles around. Which is where your store should be. Citizens of Coweta need to picket the store, not shop there and vote out any member of the commission that is not willing to speak out or fight to put this business in its rightful place. There are places further down on Bullsboro that would be better suited such as the old Belk shopping center, or near Goodwill. NOT NEAR COMMUNITIES, DAYCARES, SCHOOLS and HOMES.
Posted by Casey at 10:30 PM
why dont you people stop crying about things and be thankful that coweta is getting alot of things that we didn't have back in the days way 2 go STARSHIP GOOD LUCK!!
Posted by HELLO.. at 10:23 PM
I DIDNT READ ALL THE COMMENTS AND DONT CARE TO. I THINK THIS STORE IS GREAT AND SHOULD OPEN. YALL ARE JUST SCARED OF THE WORD SEX IT SEEMS LIKE. WELL SOME PEOPLE LIKE IT AND WE NEED THIS STORE SO I HOPE NO MATTER HOW HARD IT IS THEY DO OPEN AND STICK AROUND AND I THINK THEY SHOULD OPEN A SRTIP CLUB HERE THAT WOULD BE AWSOME....GO STARSHIP!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by WELCOME STARSHIP at 10:21 PM
Many of you are talking crap about Kelly Rogers. You do not even know him. He loves his family and is worried about his kids. I know him and he would never make it where teens can go off and get stuff for sex. You have to be 18 to go in there. Plus sex is a part of life. Those of you who think it is a bad idea fro starship here that is your opion. But you can state it in a way that you do not knock a man who you do not even know. You would not want someone to judge you. I think people need to get over it. You dont have to go in there. Stay out. This is a great way to get jobs too. GO STARSHIP.
Posted by jr at 9:56 PM
Almost every convenience store has been selling almost all of these items behind the counter, be it porno dvd's, crack "flower" pipes, bongs, and dirty magazines, for children and everybody else to see, for years. But this guy wants to put it all in one place, and, low and behold, we're defiling society all of a sudden. But maybe people would be happier if the store were in a location further from the road front.
Posted by what's the difference? at 9:43 PM
"wake up newnan it's your town do something" - - That's right... it's MY town just as much as it anybody else's... and I have no problem with Starship opening. But Starship is not a problem... it's a sign of the times. - - Newnan is not your grandfather's small Georgia town anymore, it's all grown up. Coweta probably has more residents who moved here from out-of-town and out-of-state than natives. - - - As for the paraphernalia, I don't really care, but I also think it's not really necessary. Mr. Rogers might be willing to entertain the idea of substituting other merchandise....???
Posted by S at 9:41 PM
homes for rent in nice trailor park within walking distance of a head shop,just follow the trail of little crack baggies.
Posted by bufford at 9:41 PM
Mr. Kelly, You said in the article that people were calling you all the time to ask where's the store in Newnan. People that want to buy from you will know you're here and seek you out. I agree with voting with my dollar, you're not getting my vote but if others want to go, great. They will find your store without it being at Thomas Crossroads on a main thoroughfare where anyone could start a picture taking campaign of your patrons.
Posted by SJ at 9:30 PM
after reading each comment below on both sides of issue, and having visited a Starship store once or twice (OMG, did I just say that??!!), my concern is this: Anyone ever seen the layout of the store (regardless of percentage store or not), you have your pornos, your magazines, videos, etc on one end and the center checkout kiosk. Then you have your toys, lotions, etc, etc on the other. I don't care what a man or woman, saint or sinner does with that stuff. But what concerns me most is the huge "head shop" section along 1 wall, beautiful long glass case full of bongs, pipes, hukas(SP), electronic scales, etc. Anyone wanna play naive about what this is for??!! Porno, toys, lotions and notions, no problem, might even put a smile or 2 on me and my wife's face. But let's leave the DRUG stuff and "head shop" supplies out of it.
Posted by jac at 9:16 PM
Mr. Kelly, I applaud your willingness to come on this forum. I believe you have a right to open your store. You have indicated that you have "deep pockets" and "good lawyers" and that you'll do this the easy way or the hard way. Fine. But why by a preschool? If you are the "good neighbor" and "community pillar" that you claim, please consider another location in a more industrial area or at least away from preschool/school/church. Please.
Posted by JM at 9:11 PM
party supplies, pipes, tobacco products? in other words it's not only a sex shop but also a head shop.todays special buy a crack pipe and get a sex toy at half price.i used to live in newnan years ago and it was a good place to live but now it's going to the dogs.wake up newnan it's your town do something'here is what starships attorney said("They can't stop us and so I appreciate the fact they don't try,)enough said
Posted by bufford at 9:07 PM
Wow. The "open-minded" group of posters is welcoming Starship for its "job creation." Hurry up, all those high paying porn clerk jobs will be going fast. And honestly, this one is going up next to a church/preschool and the "open-minders" think that's just fine. I hope they open up one next to your house! Then we'll see how open-minded you really are.
Posted by JM at 9:06 PM
I don't really care about the sex toys being sold. I do care about the drug stuff they WILL be selling. THAT is NOT being a good neighbor! Why supply the dope heads?
Posted by Rose at 9:03 PM
Wow... I will be living less than a quarter of a mile from a vile "adult" store. There are three day cares surrounding my subdivision, a church and like someone pointed out, family restaurants like Chik Filet. What a bad location. I would personally never shop at this "adult" store and know that trying to stop them is un-American - however, this is an ignorant location. Anyone want to start a petition?
Posted by A Citizen at 8:59 PM
What concerns me far more than the sex stuff is the DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. Come on! No county needs that crap! I hope everyone pickets them, all churches, families, and neighborhoods.
Posted by JustsayNO at 8:53 PM
I would like to start off by personally thanking each and every person who has left a comment (both positive and negative) on this news story. This is what freedom of speech and the first amendment are all about. That is the reason that I believe that I have the right to open this store in Coweta County. I believe that all the citizens of the county should have the right to choose wether they want to patronize our business or not. I too am a concerned father of two teenage daughters and understand people’s concerns about the things affecting young people’s lives today but I think that there are a lot worse things affecting our community and country today than the opening of a store of this kind. We use the upmost care and ID everyone who enters our store if they look under the age of 25. There have been no studies that have shown that an adult retail store brings any negative impact upon a community. I would like to comment on my choice of being Santa, I have been playing Santa long before I was ever involved in this business, the reason that I choose to play Santa is my love for children and the smile it might bring to just one child’s face at Christmas time. I also enjoy playing Santa for our seniors who have to be confined to nursing homes and might not have anyone else to bring a smile to their face. As for my community involvement I love my community and I enjoy getting involved with civic activities that help the less fortunate or projects that better our community. Thanks again for your time and thank you to the Times Herald for publicizing a non bias news story.
Posted by Kelly Rogers at 8:24 PM
There is an easy way to get rid of this business. Don't shop there and it will close! No business is going to stay open if they do not have customers. I am not seeing why this is such an issue. I have no desire to go to Starship but I do not worry that someone else might like to go there. That is their business and their right! It all comes down to a business decision; apparently the people that run Starship have done research and have found that there is a market here for their store. At least they are no building another building and are renovating and existing building. The bigger issue this county has, in my opinion, is that strip malls open and the shops in one location move to a new one leaving an empty place in others. At Thomas Crossroads there is a vacant Gas Station, Supermarket, and empty spaces in the Kroger and Publix area. But just down the street there are more new strip malls opening. I see this as a bigger problem than an Adult Novelty store moving into an empty building. Religion should have no place in determining what stores can and cannot open in a community. Especially when these businesses, Churches, do not pay taxes! Religion is just as much of a business as Starship, and probably bringing in more revenue than Starship!
Posted by Scott at 8:16 PM
All I want to know is where can I get my "Starship" logo wear, so I can wear it around town. IN YOUR FACE!!!
Posted by me at 8:10 PM
I am a residence of Coweta County and have been for some time so I know what a great county we have. That being said, I believe that Starship has every right to open its doors. There have been several comments made that I would like to address. First and foremost, there is not a “law” or “rule” in the county that says you have to go in, if you don’t want to see anything in the store then simply just DON’T GO IN. I should be able to go in if I choose just as you have the right to not go in. Some people keep referring to Riverdale, and most of us know how bad that area has gotten, it has done so without the help of Starship because there is not one there. I will be one of the first to admit that I love to have a nice glass of wine or drink with a meal but there has been cases where people were killed from driving drunk or killed a innocent person and yet not one case where someone has died from the use of a sexual aid but there are a lot of restaurants here in Coweta County that serve alcoholic drinks and they opened without a single bit of problems. As for Mr. Rogers personally, I thought that we were not supposed to judge people? The reporter clearly stated that he was active with his daughters school and we all know that there are a lot of people out there who never have that kind of family involvement growing up and the things he does at Christmas for elderly and children, how many of us take the time out of our schedules to do such great community work? If you want to judge the kind of business that he owns, then fine but should you really judge a person you have never met? What would God think of us for judging others?
Posted by Coweta County Residence at 8:07 PM
1) Statistically there is far more violence and death on TV than "sex and smut" - yet I don't hear anybody complaining about the opening of another store that sells firearms. 2) Obesity has effectively doubled the population of this county without adding extra individuals and will lead to countless health problems in the near future, but I seriously doubt I would hear anybody complaining about another fat factory taking up residence. -- I could go on and on, but you get the point, don't you? DON'T YOU!? -- I suspect that the same people who are complaining about Starship are the same ones who complained about the GRTA Xpress buses, and how they would bring rampant crime to our community. -- They're also the same ones who have a fully stocked liquor cabinet and/or wine cellar, a humidor for their cigars and who take a vacation to Biloxi or Vegas every year. -- But on Sundays and in the NTH, it's all MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY! -- You Bible thumpers are yet again trying to impose your narrow-minded "way of life" and hypocritical "morals" on the rest of us who value the freedom of choice and the liberties that we are supposed to enjoy in this country.
Posted by S at 8:02 PM
It's a business like all the rest. They have has much rights to open a store in Coweta County as they do Heard, Henry or Troup county. At least with Starship, ALL of there adult contents are inside a store where NO ONE under the age of 18 will be permitted inside. I have seen adult magazines at at least two of the main gas stations AT Thomas Crossroads. They are displayed where children, teenagers and adults can see the cover's and names. Personally, I would care if there were a strip club in Coweta, it would drive the local economy and create JOBS this county really NEEDS!!!! But, if you push them into Riverdale, East Point and Atlanta, then the BUSINESS also goes there, as well asthe JOBS and TAXES.
Posted by Jen at 7:52 PM
sounds like u prudes need some sex toys
Posted by big lou at 7:48 PM
Our town does not need such a store. Its gross and we don't need that kind of trash here!!! It sure is close to a trailor park and a school!
Posted by sl at 7:16 PM
Let's call a spade a spade. This is a sex shop whichever way you slice it. Sex shops have their places in communities but in communities that want to continue to grow and thrive and attract transplants who are looking for the next "up and coming" place to live. I challenge any of the posters below (who actually live in the Sharpsburg/Thomas Crossroads areas) to find me a community that continued to grow and prosper (and this includes maintaining top school ratings) AFTER a sex shop to residence. It doesn't exist.
Posted by Dawn at 6:56 PM
I already have trouble with my husband and his porn crap, All we need is more encouragement. This is absolutely STUPID and cannot happen. Just imagine your children going in the store and buying something they should not have!!!!!!. What would you do?
Posted by J at 6:16 PM
even though i have never met him, Mr. Rogers is a great guy. I see him all of the time and hear him make jokes and laugh with everyday people. the real funny part is that i see all of this at East Coweta High School
Posted by JT Perry at 5:54 PM
Ughe! Coweta knuckle draggers out in force! You talk about these shops in their bad areas such as Riverdale and Jonesboro, but you also fail to mention the great wealthy areas these shops are in such as Cobb and Sugarloaf. I would rather the county not fight this and waste tax payer dollars on laws suits. If the commission does, they will be replaced quickly by the voters! I see more smuttier 15 year olds at Ashley park on the weekends than I would see at one of these shops!
Posted by Joe Schmoe at 5:43 PM
i think that a starship in newnan would be good. so what if they sells things to help people with their sex lives i bet about 75% of people living in coweta county have been to starship or have bought porn on the internet to help with their sex lives. oh well get over it. he is not forcing you to go there, he is only giving people the option
Posted by echs senior at 5:14 PM
Just another business, yeah right! Is this business going to sell "tobacco novelties" such as pot smoking pipes like the others?!?! We cannot allow this!
Posted by cf at 3:59 PM
All the more proff this town along with the rest of the world is going to hell in a hand basket.What ever happened to morals?This kind of "store" has no business here in Coweta county,move over college park here comes Newnan.
Posted by Never mind at 3:20 PM
Coweta County needs to get a backbone and stand up to this hedonistic trash. Some things are worth fighting for in court. Maintaining a family-friendly, moral, decent county for our children should be of the utmost importance. We are so deteriorating as a county. Who wants to pick their kids up from the daycare and drive by an adult store? Who wants to eat at Chick-fil-a while looking at an adult store across the street? Who wants to go to church and drive by the adult store on the way home? Who wants to have to explain to your 4 or 5 year old what that store is? We have already kowtowed to the liquor-pushing crowd and are paying for it. We should not also kowtow to the sexual perverts or will we pay for that one as well.
Posted by CDog at 2:50 PM
I really wish all of you holier-than-thou people would just sit down somewhere and hush. If that's not the type of store you wish to frequent, then DON'T. It's not as though they are going to have big billboard-sized pictures of porn covers, or any XXX rated item in front of the store where children or passerbyer's can see them. I know the real reason you don't want the store here, it's becasue it's too much of a temptation for you, and you don't want to ruin your holier-than-thou image. You enjoy going to Old National to lessen the chances that someone you know will see you (because you know THEY will be there too!) Get real! There is nothing wrong with this store, even if it's in your oh so precious Thomas Crossroads community. Maybe once it gets here, some of you all will be able to get the cobwebs out and start living a little for goodness sake.
Posted by East Cowetian at 2:02 PM
UNBELIEVABLE! Like we don't see enough SEX and SMUT on TV and now we have to drive by and see it too. I hope this place never opens. It's sad that one comment was about more churches to tell them how to live "OUR OUR LIFE!" Funny thing is, if you would take some time to check out one of those churhes, you COULD realize that there is more to this world than YOU! IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU! That's one of the biggest problems in this country is that people are SO SELFISH and hung up on what THEY want, that they don't take the TIME to see how this could AFFECT the FUTURE! Educated yourself, look out for the interest of others, and show some respect for yourself and others in this community!
Posted by AB at 1:28 PM
Where's Billy Ball and his faithful followers, when you need them?
Posted by Concerned at 12:37 PM
Welcome to town. I'm sure it will be tough to begin with, but stick it out and don't let the people run you away. The ones complaining now are the same ones that will be trying to sneak in there without anyone seeing them. Just as the ones that always complain of liquor sells in Coweta are the same ones you see in the restaurants drinking it.
Posted by Lee at 12:25 PM
I'm all for this!!! But, I have one question to ask??? To the ones that don't approve, what is it extacly that you want Coweta to have? More churches? Yeah, that's exactly what we need more people telling us what to do with OUR OUR LIVES!!!!
Posted by Shut up & quit complaining about everything and anything!!!!!! at 11:52 AM
I think It will be a great Idea to open one it allows for more job opportunities and could draw income from surrounding couties instead of driving to the nearest location located on Old National High way.
Posted by Dallas at 11:46 AM
I am sorry but it is within 1,000 feet of the Cornerstone church. AND I bet if they measured it would be just as close to the Kids R Kids. It won't happen there but I bet he looks for a different location for this trash.
Posted by neighbor at 11:44 AM
I am not thrilled about the location of this store either! However from a business perspective they have picked a dynamite location. What we would rather see on the sign out front.... 'Ship ups at pms ' or 'now hiring '
Posted by John seymour at 11:21 AM
Well, it looks like all the narrow minded folks from Coweta County? are here. You know, the ones that think it's ok for such an establishment as the Starship to open in Coweta County. The same narrow minded, basement dwelling, knuckle draggers that wouldn't move to Riverdale, College Park, Jonesboro or Atlanta on a bet. I notice Kelly Rogers doesn't live in either of those cities either.
Posted by mdl at 10:45 AM
Yes, Yes Please...with a bar too...please!
Posted by JIM-BOB at 10:33 AM
Oh, right. Like all of you who are complaining never have sex or think there's something you might try to make it better. Oh, wait... we're talking about Coweta prudes here, so if you DO have sex, it's probably once a month, under the covers, with the lights off, and it takes about 30 seconds (if you're lucky). Just because YOU don't want to enhance your married sex life it doesn't mean WE can't without having to drive to Union City. So get a grip and buzz-buzz-buzz off. I hope somebody opens a liquor store next door.
Posted by S at 10:23 AM
We don't need a porn and sex toy shop in Coweta. And can you believe that this guy poses as a Santa Claus? I wouldn't let my dog near him. How offensive.
Posted by T.C. at 9:54 AM
Where was all the concern about all this when Sinbad's Video Store was able to stay in business for over 20 years?? They had all their "naughty" movies in a back room only covered by a black curtain. And yes everybody and their neighbor knew this about Sinbad's. Way to Go Starship!! Welcome to Coweta County!! Hope your business is successful.
Posted by Get over it! at 9:49 AM
It is a sad day when this type of business is allowed to open in a county that used to be so beautiful. You want mini Atlanta, Go there!!! Don't bring it here. We all know what type of people this will attract to our decent community. A church across the way, an Elementary School just down the way and 2 daycare facilites too close. This is vile and if its allowed to be put here I would be glad to protest it out. Keep your filth out of our county tolerence has gone to far. We the majority as Christians should stand together to fight this out of our community. They say compare it to Riverdale, anybody notice how Riverdale once a nice community, now filled with trash, and crime, is this what we want in Coweta? You feel the need for filth drive to Riverdale then and add to there problems, don't create any here!!!
Posted by P at 9:35 AM
Alan I. Begner, the attorney for the Gold Club. Remember them? The same attorney that said, "I knock out laws". This should get interesting.
Posted by mdl at 9:31 AM
Any store that promises to sell Lava Lamps is welcome in my book. I love Lava Lamps ! :o) And the sex toys can be fun too. I like to tie them on the rear bumper of my neighbor's car and see how long it takes for them to notice it. hahahah Everybody else notices pretty quick. Hey - just thought of this... what if they were to sell lottery tickets in Starship ?? Now that would be total evilness..........
Posted by felix at 9:30 AM
I have lived here at Thomas Crossroads for 23 years. I am disgusted and disapointed that this type of business is coming to our community. Think about it why chose this location? The citizens of this county need to speak up and stand up. The county might have had to issue him a permit but that does not mean the citizens can't monitor what goes in the store.
Posted by Not important at 9:26 AM
Say all you want "Mr. Rogers", this is degrading to our community and what your store will attract. Next, it vwill be a strip club.
Posted by Kim at 9:24 AM
Coweta County....it is all downhill from here. This is too close for comfort!
Posted by Kim at 9:17 AM
THIS IS CALLED AMERICA! REMEMBER THAT !! KEEP YOUR PORK N BEAN COUNTY VIEWS TO YOUR SELF. IF A SMALL BUSINESS WANTS TO OPEN let em AFTER-ALL IT'S GOING TO BE YOUR NEIGHBOR THAT SNEAKS IN THE PORN SHOP TO BUY THANK GOD WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE. GET OUT OF YOUR NEWNAN BUBBLE AND EXPLORE THE WORLD you might be happier. YOU GO STARSHIP A TAX PAYING CITIZEN IN COWETA CO.
Posted by fireman tim at 9:14 AM
What is the big deal! Why are sex toys immorral? What is wrong with bath lotions and incense? Good luck to Starship! There should be no law that tells a store they cannot sell something because they are too close to a, non-tax paying entity, CHURCH!!!!! These corrupt organizations are what is the problem, not a store that sells adult novelties! If this is not what we want in Coweta county it is very simple as to how to make it leave, DON'T SHOP THERE! Leave them alone and don't bring more attention to them with you idiodic protests. It is amazing how narrow minded these open and forgiving religious groups are! Thankfully the Liquor by the drink on Sunday passed!
Posted by Scott at 8:25 AM
Just another example of carelessness and not caring about the majority of their citizens interests on the counties part. How do we fight this?
Posted by Does it matter? at 7:58 AM
Whoever owns this location will be the next millionare in Coweta county! I've considered the possibility for years but never imagined the "good ol boys" would let it in. Way to go!!
Posted by mr at 7:56 AM
Immoral? According to your standards. You probably have never even been into one of these stores or you are a part of the group that secretly buys this stuff through women's groups or online. There is nothing wrong with sex and purchasing sex-enhancing products. My husband and myself have frequented clean, friendly, couple-centered sex stores such as Starship and they do card you at the door. So don't worry about your precious teenagers. Besides, you don't have any problem dropping them off at Ashley and not knowing what they are doing. You are in denial of how well behaved you think your teens are these days. Grow up. Get a clue. Get off your high horse. There is nothing wrong with these types of stores. My opinion but you have no right to judge others.
Posted by Oh puh leaze! at 7:53 AM
I hope the MANY churches in my neighborhood will step up and LAWYER up to see if we can stop this trash. I do not attend a church but I seriously don't want this crap in my neighborhood. What the heck is wrong with them? Did they do some market research? If they do succeed I hope they go out of business asap. BOO to whomever approved this. Great work Coweta county officials for bringing garbage to my neighborhood.
Posted by concerned at 1:57 AM
Is Starship one of the new businesses locating in Coweta County that is supposed to add to the tax base and reduce our taes? When should we expect our taxes to go down to 6%?
Posted by Jimmy at 1:20 AM
Boy, this is going to get interesting. No initial comment, but I will say that Coweta better be able to handle a more 'open minded' community or be ready to fight the battle.
Posted by Flash5 at 12:44 AM
That area isnt industrial zoned. Isn't the Methodist church less than 1,000 feet away from this location? Seems like it is closer than that.
Posted by Starship Trooper at 11:53 PM
Starship is not here.
Posted by S at 11:45 PM
Sounds like a great business opportunity. How soon can we expect it to open and where can we sign up for employment?
Posted by East Cowetian at 11:00 PM
I hope everything goes well with this! Good luck
Posted by Amanda at 10:57 PM
I am shocked. I can not believe that this county will allow this store to open.
Posted by Concerned at 10:15 PM
Take your trash somewhere else "Mr. Starship" cause Coweta Countians and our kids don't want your crap here!!!! You think you had it ruff up in Fulton County with your stores, wait until the rest of the folks finds out about your plans to open a store here...you've got another thing comin.......
Posted by Keith at 9:51 PM
There is nothing good that will come out of this for our community. I really like the part about the closest store is on Old National Highway in College Park. I guess that is what the county wants to turn hwy 34 into...Old National Highway..what a goal!
Posted by concerned citizen at 8:32 PM
Any way you divide the percentage, this store is putting Coweta on the same road as Riverdale, Jonesboro, College Park and any other area these stores are in. A downward trend in the types of businesses is sure to follow. The items they are going to offer for sale are immoral or at the least questionable, otherwise there wouldn't be an 18 and up age limit. And speaking of which, how are they going to insure that no one under 18 enters unless they stand at the door and card everyone. There are plenty of 14 and 15 year olds that look 21, not to mention that there a number of 18 year old that are still seniors in High School. And from a financial standpoint, the last thing homeowners need is for prospective home buyers to have to drive by a store of this type in order to get to the neighborhoods.
Posted by Concerned at 8:27 PM
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Not about the business, it is the quality
11/25/2008
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This isn't about the morality of the store it is about the quality. We are in a horrible housing market as it is and I, personally don't want to see the value of MY HOME go down because of this store. PS. Mr. Rogers LOVES this kind of attention, it is free advertising and someone once said "there is no such thing as bad publicity" He has a lawyer for a reason and tiptoed around our restrictions with the assist of said lawyer. Too bad our county didn't see this coming and kept the quality in and the trash out. A simple restriction would have covered the nature of this "business".
Posted by TC resident at 12:48 AM