Towamensing Township is completing an update of its zoning ordinance. As a one-time member of the township Planning Commission, an early participant in the update process, and a grammar fanatic, I was asked to review the draft. Overall I think it is an impressive effort, but I noticed one aspect that is rather depressing.
Because of the issue of “adult” entertainment and “adult” establishments of various kinds, any zoning ordinance must be carefully drawn. Under the Pennsylvania municipal code, if a use isn’t regulated, it is assumed to be permitted. This means everything must be spelled out--what kind of sexual displays are permitted, where they are permitted, and what zoning districts (i.e., light commercial) can accommodate them.
That means that page after page of the zoning ordinance must delineate in great detail public sexual activities and where and how they can be practiced. I know I’ll sound like an old fuddy-duddy (even the word “fuddy-duddy” is dated), but I think we live in a sick society. Something is rotten about the U.S. with its emphasis on entertainment based on sex, violence, or a combination. Child porn, internet porn, mass killings--how did we get like this? Can’t we do better?
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