WHEN GIULIANI PASSED zoning laws making it impossible for strip clubs and porn shops to remain in Times Square, they just moved to the Bronx, along the Gowanus Expressway, or a few blocks south to the Meatpacking District. It's like trying to squeeze jello in your fist—you aren't going to destroy it; it's just going to slide all over the place. These businesses are going to survive simply because there's a demand.
Recently sex shops have found a happy home in the West Village, a pleasantly decadent neighborhood, with foot traffic enough to attract business owners.
Bloomberg has now set his sights on getting the smut merchants out of the West Village by doing away with the 60/40 rule. If he succeeds, these shops will uproot again, possibly moving to Jersey, taking that tax revenue with them and forcing more horny New Yorkers to do their peeping and toy-buying online.
That would be more than a shame—it would be bad news for the city and state economy.
What the city needs to do is establish a true red-light district. Set aside a few clearly defined square blocks on the far West Side. Then regulate it, collect taxes and provide some security. It's the best solution for everyone.
