Dear Editor, 

Sexually oriented businesses are a danger to historic areas and to the long term value of communities.

I recently moved to Central City from Kansas City, MO. I moved here because I was memorized by the Central City and Black Hawk architecture and history. I have been involved in real estate in historic areas in Westport, MO, (Kansas City) Old Market Area in Omaha, NE, Main Street Area in Kansas City, MO, and the Branson Area of Missouri. I have also served on the Westport and Main Street Community Improvement Districts. I have been involved in ownership in Kansas City, MO, and Omaha in finding GOOD tenants that promote tourism and increase and cater to improvements of the area. 

I refused to rent to pawn shops, sex shops, or tobacco only type of business or anything else. (I will admit I had one payday loan tenant who was already in place in one building I acquired as an existing tenant and to be honest I regret I didn't evict it.)

In all my CID and previous planning meetings at the local level NEVER did we seek to solicit or promote Sexually Oriented Business (SOB). Main Street Kansas City now is free of numerous Adult Book Stores and Sleazy Establishments (1980s) and now has a Trolley System and massive economic growth due to the desire of the City of Kansas City to improve the area. Home Depot and Costco now stand at Linwood and Main Street where Porno Shops used to cause prostitutes and drug dealers to roam.

Property values have now skyrocket in this area. Every area I have known over my 30 plus years in this business have never seen an area improve where Sexually Oriented Business are located.

Brent Lambi

Central City