Civic leader Bob Friedrich’s good intentions to stop what he thought was an X-rated video store from moving into Glen Oaks Village wound up thwarting a local business man’s opportunity to move his store recently.
Sam Wexler, the owner of All Ratings Video, wanted to move into a vacant storefront at 265-17 Union Turnpike, but lease negotiations were abruptly terminated after the landlord was told that the video store was “X-rated.”
Wexler said that his store is a “general video” store that carries a variety of rentals that range from G-rated family movies to comedies.
The X-rated movies are sectioned off by a curtain in the back of the store. He also carries “bachelorette party items,” which are located in the back of the store, “where children can’t see.”
“It is a very clean operation,” Wexler said. “It is a typical video store.”
Friedrich said residents expressed concern over the store and wanted to see action taken.
“I didn’t think it was appropriate for a residential location,” he said.
Wexler said his store had been in other residential areas and near religious establishments, but never received complaints from the community.
“I’m a local boy – I’ve been in the neighborhood for 26 years.”
Friedrich, however, proceeded to inform other community leaders and civic associations. The landlord became aware of the public attention and ended lease negotiations with Wexler in the beginning of April.
“I was in total shock,” he said.
Wexler emailed Friedrich after learning of his involvement, to clarify the nature of his video store sales and rentals, but never received a response from Friedrich.
Wexler said he felt the situation is a result of miscommunication among the parties involved and he is “not looking to make enemies.”
“I want to see this all die down.”
For now, the store is still at 80-10 Little Neck Parkway.
“I didn’t take is personally,” Wexler said, “I have no misconceptions about [Bob Friedrich]…I know he’s done a tremendous job in Glen Oaks and I give him credit for that.”
