BZA Denies Tattoo Request
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
If it's true a picture says a thousand words, then 122 S. Buffalo St. will remain silent, following a denial of a special exception request Monday by the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals.
Jeannie Williams, of Columbia City, was seeking the special exception to permit her to open a tattoo and piercing parlor in the vacant Buffalo Street store.
"I have a lot of plans for the building. In addition to the tattoo and piercing business, I'd like to have apartments on the third floor and an art gallery on the open second floor," Williams said.
She asked the board to put aside the preconceptions about tattoo artists and their customers and focus on the business aspect of her petition.
"I don't understand why there is so much objection to this proposal," she said. "I'm following all the state health regulations and licensing requirements. And I'm providing a safe and clean service for those interested in expressing themselves in this way."
Those opposing the petition said they want to support business development in the downtown area, just not this type of business.
"I would not have made the investment I've made in my business if I would have known this type of use would be allowed next door to me," said Bob Beam of Beam & Beam Clothiers, 116 S. Buffalo St.
Other remonstrators said a tattoo parlor would go against the family-oriented business plan the city has for the central business district.
"Without getting into a war of words with Jeannie, but considering the few modifications I've made on my property, I don't think she has a good grasp of what it takes in terms of investment, to realize her dream," said Jerry Opperud, who is remodeling the former Champs building at 123 S. Buffalo St. "I would ask Jeannie to realize her dream in concert with us instead of challenging us."
Williams said she takes exception to the characterization of her business as not being family-oriented, saying there are existing businesses that don't meet that criteria.
"I'm very offended that these people say they don't want something downtown that's not for families," she said. "We have bars downtown right next to a gun store. Is that better? I don't think so.
"They're just judging people and they shouldn't be doing that. This is a business matter," she added.
Board member Leigh Ann Denlinger abstained from the vote on the motion to deny the special exception request.
"I have to say I don't care for the attitude of some of the people opposed to this petition," she said.
In other business, the board approved a variance request by GBC Media for a 480-foot wireless communication tower at 1225 Country Club Drive.
The board failed to approve a variance request by Village Pantry Corp. for a variance from development standards allowing for a 24-foot, 9-and-3/8-inch sign at the Buffalo Street entrance to the Marsh Shopping Center.
The petition died because of a tie two-to-two vote. [[In-content Ad]]
If it's true a picture says a thousand words, then 122 S. Buffalo St. will remain silent, following a denial of a special exception request Monday by the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals.
Jeannie Williams, of Columbia City, was seeking the special exception to permit her to open a tattoo and piercing parlor in the vacant Buffalo Street store.
"I have a lot of plans for the building. In addition to the tattoo and piercing business, I'd like to have apartments on the third floor and an art gallery on the open second floor," Williams said.
She asked the board to put aside the preconceptions about tattoo artists and their customers and focus on the business aspect of her petition.
"I don't understand why there is so much objection to this proposal," she said. "I'm following all the state health regulations and licensing requirements. And I'm providing a safe and clean service for those interested in expressing themselves in this way."
Those opposing the petition said they want to support business development in the downtown area, just not this type of business.
"I would not have made the investment I've made in my business if I would have known this type of use would be allowed next door to me," said Bob Beam of Beam & Beam Clothiers, 116 S. Buffalo St.
Other remonstrators said a tattoo parlor would go against the family-oriented business plan the city has for the central business district.
"Without getting into a war of words with Jeannie, but considering the few modifications I've made on my property, I don't think she has a good grasp of what it takes in terms of investment, to realize her dream," said Jerry Opperud, who is remodeling the former Champs building at 123 S. Buffalo St. "I would ask Jeannie to realize her dream in concert with us instead of challenging us."
Williams said she takes exception to the characterization of her business as not being family-oriented, saying there are existing businesses that don't meet that criteria.
"I'm very offended that these people say they don't want something downtown that's not for families," she said. "We have bars downtown right next to a gun store. Is that better? I don't think so.
"They're just judging people and they shouldn't be doing that. This is a business matter," she added.
Board member Leigh Ann Denlinger abstained from the vote on the motion to deny the special exception request.
"I have to say I don't care for the attitude of some of the people opposed to this petition," she said.
In other business, the board approved a variance request by GBC Media for a 480-foot wireless communication tower at 1225 Country Club Drive.
The board failed to approve a variance request by Village Pantry Corp. for a variance from development standards allowing for a 24-foot, 9-and-3/8-inch sign at the Buffalo Street entrance to the Marsh Shopping Center.
The petition died because of a tie two-to-two vote. [[In-content Ad]]