HAMPTON, Iowa (AP) - An Arizona man’s plans to transform a 136-year-old Iowa jail into a historical role-playing business could be derailed by zoning ordinances.
Mark Gudmundsen has purchased and started renovating the Franklin County jail and former sheriff’s residence in downtown Hampton where visitors would be able to experience historically accurate role-playing lockup. The two-story home was used to house the county’s prisoners as recently as 1988 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
Gudmundsen tells the Globe Gazette (https://bit.ly/1SrH59p ) that he thought his project had the green light from city officials. But officials told him this week that his plans would violate the city’s zoning ordinances that restrict adult-oriented businesses to industrial areas.
Gudmundsen believes that officials changed their minds after they discovered photos of him on his fantasy bondage website.
“It seems like when they found out more about my personal life they were suspicious,” he said.
City Manager Ron Dunt says officials became concerned that Gudmundsen’s plans for the business were different than what they previously thought.
“Some information surfaced on some websites that he’s involved in and then he put out a website called www.hamptonjail.com .”
The promotional site includes information about jail tours, a detailed account of historical role-playing options and the jail’s history, as well as nearby dining, lodging and recreation options. There aren’t any sexual activities referenced on the site, and it says that sexual contact during role-playing is prohibited.
Dunt wouldn’t say which activities on the jail’s site were adult oriented, but he says he gave Gudmundsen a copy of the related ordinances.
“I haven’t given him a list of dos and don’ts,” Dunt said. “I think our ordinance is clear.”
Gudmundsen said that he’s intent on working someone out with the city and that he’s hopeful people will see more to him than his personal life.
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Information from: Globe Gazette, https://www.globegazette.com/
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