Re: [UC] Zoning Variance for Tattoo Parlor

[Shaera]

Funny thing, I never saw the original post regarding this.  Well, that does sometimes happen.   Yes, there is a certain stigma/stereotype attached to tattoo parlors and the people who work there, as well as the kind of people who get tattooed.   Personally, I think it's long past time for that to change.  People of so many different ages/backgrounds/professions, etc. get tattooed and/or pierced that it's just wrong to out of hand say basically "not in my neighborhood" if a new one wants to open near you.   The example of Everlasting is, in my opinion, a very good one as to being a good business with caring and responsible owner/staff.  No, I do not live on the street.  Yes, I do go there a few times a year and yes I do have a decent amount of ink.  If you saw me on the street, there's a good chance you'd never know it.  I'm well into my 40's if that means anything.   The owner of Everlasting (married with children - this is his bread and butter) runs a respectful, careful and responsible business.  Like any good business should be run.  I've never seen people just hanging out outside, never see any trash on the sidewalk (a convenient trash container is kept right by the door).  I don't see drunks, people doing drugs, the place is kept very clean inside and out.  And consider all that any licensed tattoo artist/business are regularly visited by the department of Health, have to know and have current CPR/first aid, sanitary practices, etc. certification - which they pay for out of pocket; follow the law and don't allow younger people to have any work done unless their parent or guardian is there (if that's an issue - you think all the under 18's are going to be hanging out getting who knows what done to themselves)  Plus, many police officers go there, which has been a huge plus a few times when there's been any sort of problem on the street, even to someone locking themselves out of their car.  I feel so safe when I go to Everlasting!  So they do contribute to the area.   It would be much better to have a business on a street than an empty building any day.  An empty storefront doesn't make a good impression, can make you feel unsafe especially at night walking past a dark building, and perhaps where the tattoo parlor will actually contribute to the area.  You'll never know until you talk to the proposed owner and staff.  Anyone willing to invest the time, work, energy and money into renting what sounds like a space that's been vacant for awhile should be encouraged and supported.  Or at least approached and talked to about how they intend to run the business before just opposing the variance.   If this was about yet another bar, I would and could definitely see the point in opposing a variance and that there's a good chance it would not be a positive addition to your area.  I know, we have a bar on the corner, 2 doors down from us and it has been a major problem in the past.  With the help of keeping it on the Police blotter, the UCD and our wonderful Town Watch people (yea Ms. Jackie), the worst we have now is beer bottles in our front yard.  But we've dealt with the 2 a.m. everybody in the street with their car radios blasting and carrying on, prostitutes using our side alley as a place to do their "business", etc.   Wendy   > We feel strongly that a Tattoo  Parlor will not be a positive addition to > Cedar Park. it's funny, but the tattoo parlor at 43rd and pine has never been a problem to anybody. i lived across the street from it for two years (1998-2000) and a block away from it for another year (2002-2003).  it seems to be a good neighbor.  the exterior is well-lit and cleanly maintained, and trash is properly disposed of.  most importantly, it fills in a retail space that i think would be difficult to fill with any other business. (perhaps other people who live on the block would disagree.  i think there's a participant on this list that lives on the same block of pine, and i'd be curious to hear her opinion.) > I sincerely appreciate your help in  opposing this variance. would you prefer this storefront on 47th street remain vacant for yet another year?  from my observations over 6 years, it seems like this retail spot has been a difficult space to rent.  certainly, tattoo businesses hold a certain stigma, but i feel an empty storefront is more detrimental to any neighborhood. mark