One woman thanked the elected representatives. Another seemed disappointed in the 10 men.

Welcome to Tarboro Town Council’s monthly meeting Monday night.

Jeana Webb Braswell of a Panola Street address thanked council members profusely during discussion about the amendment to the town’s Unified Development Ordinance that prohibits adult businesses from downtown. 

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said Braswell, who organized a protest in front of the store on March 8. “I appreciate you standing with me and the people of Tarboro.”

Dylan Anderson of a Howard Avenue address also came forward and thanked the council for the ordinance that restricts adult entertainment or sexually orientated business.

“Somebody will have to do a lot of research (to find out where they can locate an adult establishment), “ Councilman Steve Hoard said. “Then where they are, they won’t be able to make a living.”

The council unanimously adopted an ordinance that restricts adult businesses to areas zoned I-1 (limited industrial district) or I-2 (general industrial district) and requires 1,000 feet between the establishment and a school, day care, churches, residences, nursing homes, park, playground, library, etc.

The ordinance does not conflict with North Carolina laws regarding pornographic materials but regulates it.

Betty NeSmith, the founder of Grassroots of Tarboro that has pulled off two successful 2nd Saturdays in the last four weeks, asked council for permission to use Courthouse Square and River Front Park for 2nd Saturday events from June until December.

NeSmith learned she was seeking an exception to town ordinances, in which use of the town properties requires special events permit, a million-dollar liability insurance policy (a $500 premium for the day) and a $500 refundable deposit to cover cleanup, if necessary.

She was also told it would have to be on a month-to-month basis to allow other organizations the opportunity to utilize the facilities.

“I think we have to stay with the ordinance,” Councilman Danny Hayes said.

“The same as any organization,” Mayor Donald Morris added.

Later, NeSmith said she was disappointed because she had hoped the town might co-sponsor the event.

“I think the wording, calling it an exception threw ’em,” she said. “We just wanted permission.”