In between television and newspaper interviews, Hank Hernandez received a couple of visitors from the City of Warsaw. One visit came from city councilman and Republican nominee for mayor Joe Thallemer and a representative from the plan department, said Hernandez. The other came from Warsaw City Planner Jeremy Skinner. Hernandez, who owns Hank’s Tattoos, and Jonathan Brown, who owns Take Action Tattoo, have received attention from around the area after the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals voted to allow their businesses to stay open despite being in violation of a city ordinance. The ordinance, which has been in effect since 1998, states that businesses like tattoo shops must be at least 400 feet from residences, churches and schools. Both businesses though would be required to take down any signage stating they do body piercing or tattoos. Hernandez said he’s been notified that the city will take a look at the ordinance itself. Hernandez said both he and the city were hoping to resolve the situation without any litigation. Skinner said the matter will probably appear before the city council at its next meeting Monday. The city council won’t be able to take any action until it appears before the Warsaw Plan Commission. That meeting is scheduled for June 13 at 7 p.m. Both the city council and plan commission meet at City Hall, 302 E. Market St., Warsaw. “All I want to do is tattoo,” said Hernandez. Saturday, nearly 70 people showed up at both businesses to show their support and express their displeasure with the BZA’s decision. People of all ages, including children, held signs along Hank’s business on U.S. 30. The event lasted for about two hours. “This weekend, what we just went through was about those people who defend our rights,” said Hernandez. “I was really pleased to see so many people in our area who are still passionate about our freedoms.” Hernandez also said that about 800 people have signed an online petition, and that this week he’ll concentrate on getting local businesses to sign it.
