Adult Store Papakura

I would like to bring to your attention a public concern for the city of Papakura, this being the installation of the new Adult Store opposite the Stampede Bar and Grill and next to the Windsor Florist on the Great South Road. This has to be one of the worst installments we have allowed to date, as it is exactly what we don't need and will only worsen the value and reputation of our city.

As a youth who has grown up in Papakura all her life, I am sad to say that many of the great aspects of Papakura have vanished over time. Well-reputed stores such as Hannahs and Munns the Man's Store have packed up and left Papakura long ago. Evidently, Papakura was not a profitable place for them. I cannot ignore the economic side of the story- yes, times are hard, and Papakura is home to many lower-income families and individuals. However allowing such a store to market itself on the main road for all to see is simply unacceptable. We cannot allow Papakura to bring itself down to this new level of low.

The main concerns I have for this establishment are its placing, its colour and the nature of the store. An Adult Store on the main road is far too ostentatious, especially given that the siren red colour of the exterior is hardly subtle. The main street is a place for ALL people, this includes children. The kind of people that are going to be attracted into this store are NOT the kind of people we want near our children. Not to mention the extremely loud self-advertising on the walls, screaming out the fact that 'viewing rooms' are available on site. What kind of seedy people are going to come to Papakura? The screening of pornography in home situations is one thing, but to bring it into the public eye and make it available next to the supermarket is an entirely different concept.

Also, I do not hesitate to make the comparision between this new Adult Store and the Erox Lifestyle store on the corner of O'Shannessy Street. I believe Erox is much more conservative with its black exterior, and perhaps more accessible to couples or individuals without coming off as 'dirty.' One Adult Store was enough for Papakura.

I do acknowledge and appreciate many of the good things Papakura has to offer. I would like to commend the council on the upkeep of our gardens and parks, such as Central Park, and also the presence of Maori Wardens who keep much of our youth in check. I truly believe that Papakura is a gem, and that this is a great place to live. However we still need to dictate what we want for our community. I think I speak for many people when I say that this would not be a step forward for us. This is part of our future, and the future of our children after us.

We need to fight for the relocation, or better yet, the removal of this store.

Please sign the petition if you agree!