NORTHAMPTON, MA — Now that the weather is cooler, so are the tempers in Northampton, MA — at least where it comes to the newest Capital Video and its front window.Last summer, when the Rhode Island-based store announced that it planned to open one of its shops in the city things were definitely hotter, and not just temperature-wise. Part of a New England chain, the newest addition to Northampton’s retail community planned to carry what all of the other Capital Videos carry: adult magazines and DVDs, sex toys, novelties, and other items.
The announcement of the shop’s product line immediately sparked opposition from those claiming concern about possible negative impacts on the local homes, schools, churches, and social service offices. Familiar arguments and counter-arguments about free speech, censorship, pornography, and zoning flew — with some worried that a proposed window display might violate obscenity laws and be justification for denial of the store’s site plan.
Initially, Capital Video had submitted photos of a window display featuring mannequins in lingerie; some of them blindfolded and some holding whips. The Northampton City Council deemed these images far too racy for public viewing, especially given its recent decision to prohibit the display of adult material in store windows. Other recent moves had been to limit the display of adult material within a store to 1,000 square feet or less and, in a somewhat circularly redundant move, the council also made it illegal for signs to contain obscene content.
Capital Video’s attorney, Michael Pill, had told the board that his client would submit another window display if the board found its initial proposal too wild, promising that “You won’t see anything in a Capital Video window that you won’t see in a Victoria’s Secret window.”
Since window designs can change over time, planning board member George Kohout says that it will be Building Commissioner Anthony Patillo’s job to make the final decision about whether they meet statuatory standards. Retranslated, Kohout admitted that “Basically, what we’re dealing with is we’re passing the buck to our building inspector.”
With that in mind, the board voted 4 – 3 to approve the store’s site plan. Those who voted against the plan insist that the shop made no effort to meet the city’s requirements. Opponents have 20 days to appeal the board’s decision.
According to Capital Video representative Anthony Nota, renovations on the two-story ex-Kia dealership building will include removal of the top floor, reducing the number of zoned parking spaces, although it will still retain four more spaces than is required. Once inside, shoppers will find a front area with no non-adult merchandise, including lingerie, cards, and novelties. The 984 square feet of adult materials will be displayed in the middle of the floor.
