The Southington
Cit itii zen Southington’s Only Hometown Newspaper
Volume 7, Number 21
Hands-on experience
Friday, May 21, 2010
PZC tightens regulations on adult-oriented businesses By Jessica Plaskett Special to The Citizen After much debate on Tuesday, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved new regulations governing any potentially new adult-oriented businesses in town. The new rules were drafted by a PZC subcommittee after residents claimed the newly opened V.I.P. store, which sells sexually explicit material,-should never have been allowed to open on
Queen street earlier this year. Members of the newly formed Concerned Citizens for a Pornography-Free Southington called for regulation changes, which now clearly define an adult-oriented business, and better restrict where adult businesses can operate. Under the new regulations, adult businesses must be setback 750 feet from residential dwellings, and must be more than 500 feet from a church, school, and private
and public recreation areas. The ordinances also mandate that two adult businesses must be at least 1,000 feet from one another. Attorney Jennifer Yoxhall, a consultant for the town, said those changes leave a total of 14 locations that allow adult-oriented businesses. She said the likelihood of all those spots being inhabited is unlikely, however, because if one opened, it would eliminate
See PZC, page 21
Kampala Children’s Centre inspires Plantsville woman to go on mission Photos by Deb Mikan
The 8th Annual Touch-a-Truck Event, organized by American Legion Auxiliary Kiltonic Unit 72 and the Southington Parks and Recreation Department, brings more than 1,000 people to the parking lot of Derynoski Elementary School to see and learn about dozens of vehicles, from construction equipment to ambulances and limousines. Nicholas Del Santo takes command of a snow removal vehicle. More photos on page 9.
By Jessica Plaskett Special to The Citizen A fundraiser held at Smokin’ with Chris on Sunday will help Dorie Conlon help strangers she already said she loves. It might not make sense to some, but for the 26-year-old missionary, Spanish teacher and Plantsville native, helping others is a concept that drives her life. Conlon is going on her second summer-
Leading chamber of commerce board not much different than skiing By Dan Brechlin Special to The Citizen
For James Garstang, the new chairman of the Board of Directors at the Southington Chamber of Commerce, the snow-covered hills of
Vermont are a long way away. They are not too far removed, from his mind, however. Garstang spent 11 years in Vermont in the ski business, at one point as director of ski instruction at Mount Snow.
Now, he serves as senior financial advisor at Ameriprise Financial group Garstang and Associates, 1783 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, which is not all See Garstang, page 11 Photo by Dan Brechlin
James Garstang, the new chairman of the Greater Southington Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, stands in his business, Ameriprise Financial Group Garstang and Associates, located at 1783 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike.
long mission and first-ever trip to Africa, simply because she wants to help others. A traveler at heart, Conlon intermingles her faith and love of adventure by taking frequent mission trips during her summer breaks. This time, her path leads to Kampala Children’s Centre in Uganda. The center provides a safe environment, education, access to healthcare and a loving
See Uganda, page 22