Community Fights Porn Shop Opening

October 7, 2006 (WPVI) -- Plans to open an adult video store in Cherry Hill, New Jersey are sparking protest. Hundreds met last week and now they've come up with their own controversial plan, backed by the mayor and township council.

This case has been in litigation for almost 2 years. If the courts rule for the proposed adult store owner, residents with the help of the township, plan to post photos of porn buyers.

101 Route 70 is vacant. But if a Union County CPA, Jim Restaino gets his way it will soon be an adult video and sex toyshop. Cherry Hill residents are fuming.

Robert Saldutti of the Barclay Civic Association doesn't think the adult store belongs in Cherry Hill. "This is a great town... one of the top in the Delaware Valley. We intend to prevent it from being here."

Mayor Bernie Platt agrees with Saldutti, and says, "I guarantee we will fight it as far as we have to."

And it appears the township and residents are taking the gloves off. If the courts rule the adult store can go in, they plan to photograph those who go into it and post the pictures on a yet to be made website. Mayor Platt says the website will be run by residents, but the township is in the process of hiring an attorney.

"We want to make sure everyone is protected. And we will do as much research as we can."

Restaino and his lawyer have not been available for comment. But they reportedly contend the sexually oriented business can open and is protected under free speech rights.

"This is a bad location. I think people can differ on the first amendment. But we don't believe it belongs near a residential house, a residential neighborhood, school bus stops, and churches."

The Mayor and city council say they'll hold a press conference on Monday afternoon. They plan to unveil other measure to prevent the adult store from opening.

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