Adult Store Controversy

Four times a day a school bus picks up and drops off children on Old Maumee road in New Haven. On one side of the road are residential houses; on the other a soon-to-open adult novelty store, Cupid’s Castle. Many neighbors are furious. "I’m concerned about the property value of my house because who wants to live behind a porno shop” says Judy Drummond who lives across the street from the store. Drummond has four children and says she is very concerned for their safety. "Im raising children who have had experiences with sexual predators and Im afraid thats what thats going to bring here." Drummond’s next door neighbor Chester Burgette has lived in his current residence for over 55 years. He too is not too thrilled with the store’s opening noting he’s not in favor of a bookstore that sells pornography to be opening. The stores owner who asked not to mention by name, feels his new store will only help the community. "Its going to create more jobs and benefit the people in the community” says Cupid Castle’s owner. He also noted that the adult products he plans to sell are in high demand and that he has seen the products benefit and help marriages. Today security cameras were installed which will help to protect the not only the store but also the surrounding area from any predators. The store is expected to open sometime in the middle of June.