There is an empty storefront on South Maine Street in Brewer, which was, until recently, the home of Pandora’s Boxxx, an adult video and novelty store. This business had opened as Northshore Distributing, without identifying itself as an “adult” business, in a neighborhood area, against city ordinances. After local residents brought this to the attention of city officials, the business was told to move. Northshore Distributing refused, and brought suit against Brewer.

Our city government settled with them immediately by allowing Pandora’s Boxxx to stay, in perpetuity, without even having to obtain the appropriate licensure. City officials claimed that a court battle would be too costly (“up to half a million dollars”), and that the case could not be won.

So then, why did Pandora’s Boxxx close? Well, it is not gone because the franchise owners decided to retire, or for lack of business.

In fact, it is gone because residents of South Brewer citizens discovered that even a small group of people can make a difference, even though it is never easy. Although we did not have the cooperation of our elected officials, we prayed, protested publicly, circulated petitions, began a Web site, and did a great deal of research.

We found that there were organizations that could help us. Ultimately, we hired attorney David Szewczyk. He crafted a strong case, based on fraud and public nuisance, and we brought suit against Pandora’s Boxxx. This resulted in a settlement, and Pandora’s Boxxx is now gone from our neighborhood, and our state. (Recently, in Farmingdale, the court has ruled that an adult business has to move out of an area that was not zoned for it. In that case, however, the town selectmen went to bat legally for their citizens.)

We have taken our neighborhood back for our families and our children.

We hope and pray that the next use for this property on South Main Street will be one that builds our neighborhood up, rather than tears it down.

Marilyn Cleveland

Coalition of Concerned Citizens

Brewer