Lisa Brouillette: Hard to believe nobody knew store’s stock

What a ruckus flared about that new business, Kalli’s Love Stuff, on South College Street in Auburn.

I’ll leave to others the question of whether or not the store’s adult novelties and vibrators violate state laws.

I find it difficult to believe no one knew what the store’s contents would be. But I find it equally difficult to believe the uproar over those contents.

Underlying the controversy, believe it or not, is our zoning ordinance.

If a new business conforms to certain general categories, its location is permitted automatically in certain zoning districts.

That means no additional scrutiny for compatibility with its surroundings, no public hearings, no conditional use approvals from the planning commission or city council.

Often this is a good thing, as it allows landlords flexibility in finding suitable locations for business tenants, with little delay.

However it also can allow rapid changes of use, which can be problematic or surprising, as seems to be the case with Kalli’s.

But this is hardly the first time such a change in business type has occurred.

Remember Hooters? Its location, which was in the same shopping center that now houses Kalli’s, originally was approved for an oil change business. Then the plans switched, showing it as an unnamed restaurant, which ultimately became Hooters.

Some might consider that bait-and-switch. Others probably just consider it good business. Either way, it’s allowed under our zoning ordinance.

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Bobby Lowder’s connection with Auburn University popped up in the national news again recently, this time in Fortune Magazine.

Along with a summary of the company’s collapse, the Oct. 12 article on the former Colonial Bancgroup CEO detailed his relationship with Auburn University.

Lowder, a current member of the university’s board of trustees, also still chairs its finance committee.

Makes you wonder what financial advice he’s providing AU, and where it will lead, doesn’t it?

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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution says it will no longer be endorsing political candidates. Instead it will provide “just the facts, ma’am” about those running for public office.

What a shame. What a waste of expertise and experience.

Reporters and editors know more than politicians’ public facades. They know the issues, the context, the background that gives meaning to political action or the lack thereof.

They know the stories that can’t be printed.

Facts are important and should fill the news pages. Editorial pages, however, should brim with informed opinion and, at election time, endorsements.

Lisa Brouillette is a community activist, editor, and writer. Contact her at or visit her Web site http://placeforum.org.