EVERETT — At Starbright Early Learning Center on Everett Mall Way, preschoolers get a head start on their education.
But when Taboo Adult Video opened across the street this week, teachers and parents worried that it was a little early for that kind of learning.
"When we were picking my daughter up, my 7-year-old son saw the sign and asked me what taboo meant," said Sarah Olsen. "I said taboo means ‘no-no.’"
Olsen, along with other parents, teachers and residents of the area, plan to attend this morning’s Everett City Council meeting to express their concern about the store’s proximity to the preschool.
Everyone was surprised by the new business, said Jenny Alaniz, assistant director at Starbright. The first they heard of it was last week when Taboo’s signs went up, she said.
City of Everett spokeswoman Kate Reardon said she has heard from residents of the area, but added that Taboo Adult Video was within its rights to locate in that area.
"We treat adult retail establishments the same as any other retail establishments in that zone," she said. "The clarification is that it’s not an adult entertainment business, which would be regulated."
Taboo Adult Video owner JVN Corporation in Seattle declined comment on Tuesday afternoon. Taboo also has stores in Shoreline and Kenmore.
Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson, whose granddaughter attends Starbright, said it’s a fine line between "what upsets us as citizens from a permitted use perspective" and Taboo’s rights.
"I share their concern. … As a grandparent, that bothers me," he said.
But city attorneys say other than signs that upset neighbors, it has been shown that such stores have no "secondary adverse impact."
"That said, our police department is aware of it. They will be diligent to make sure the store operates within the guidelines that it should so there’s no exposure of any material from the outside," Stephanson said.
The building has no windows.
Alaniz and Olsen said it’s not so much the signs that worry them, but the type of patrons Taboo Adult Video might attract.
"Well-educated people will be patrons of this establishment," Olsen said. "But so will illicit folks — I’m talking about criminals, drug users and pedophiles."
Alaniz said she knows it’s too late for anyone to do anything. Starbright will have to accept the fact that workers and children can see the Taboo Adult Video sign from the school playground.
Nonetheless, a frustrated group of parents, teachers and other neighbors want to be heard. They had a meeting on Tuesday night and will continue the discussion before the City Council this morning.
"Of course, we’d like for them to find another place. But it’s not going to happen," Alaniz said. "What we want to do is just bring up different points — make our voice heard that we are not happy with the situation."
Reporter Jennifer Warnick: 425-339-3429 or
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
