Zoning and reference letter

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Permalink Reply by Marisa_DiMattia (Kakoulas) on May 8, 2009 at 2:03pm

1. Hygiene and safety.
2. Tattooing as an art.
3. Clientele (who YOU are is a BIG help).
4. Tattooing as a "recession proof business" bringing tax money into the community.
5. The cost to the community. Other city councils have lost major legal battles when denying permits at a cost to the taxpayer. Best to approve the permit than fight it in court.

Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Jason Rittie on May 9, 2009 at 9:02am

I agree with Marisa, but also it is good to compare the tattoo shop to other permitted uses in the existing zoning regulations. Demonstrate that everyone from soccer moms to lawyers to mayors get tattoos and it is truly an art. Show that allowing the tattoo shop in the zone will not have a detrimental impact on the existing zone plan or to the public. In NJ, there is an explicit Municipal Land Use Law that legally gives the applicant rights to demonstrate his/her entitlement to a variance in zoning.

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Permalink Reply by Marisa_DiMattia (Kakoulas) on May 9, 2009 at 1:08pm

Remind me to pick your brain, Jason, on the Municipal Land Use law and making that case. Would love to learn more.

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Permalink Reply by Phoenix on May 10, 2009 at 12:27am

Thanks to both of you. We wrote the letter and hope it helps. I also sent your tips to them directly.

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Permalink Reply by Bones on May 15, 2009 at 12:16am

Well, we went to the city council meeting in support of the Krusemans this evening. They presented their case well before the council with several speaking in support of them and no one speaking against them. The best moment was when the sweet elderly woman who will be renting the space to them spoke on their behalf, reminding the council that she and her husband have an upstairs apartment where they periodically reside. She testified that she felt absolutely safe with the Krusemans and their clientele in the space beneath them and if she didn't she would not have rented the space to them. Their clients basically filled the room. As we were walking in, we heard one person say that it had never been as crowded before. When their matter was completed, the room emptied. They do not rule until next Monday, so all will just have to wait, hope, and see.

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Permalink Reply by Bones on May 17, 2009 at 9:41pm

They did speak about the "diversity" it would bring to the downtown area. They'll see tomorrow, though I probably will not hear about it for a while since I will be traveling.

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Permalink Reply by Bones on June 11, 2009 at 12:04pm

Well, I'm off to speak in support of the Krusemans tonight. A couple of weeks ago the council voted 3 to 2 with 2 abstentions to deny their permit. Fortunately, the mayor pointed out that in order to officially deny, there had to be at least 4 no votes. So there is another hearing tonight, and I am going to comment on the diversity of Dave's clientele, the misconceptions of tattooed individuals, and on his professionalism.

Wish me luck.

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Permalink Reply by Bones on June 11, 2009 at 1:17pm

That's right. Those three will probably not be swayed. Kim K. spoke with the two who abstained and thinks they may vote in favor of the studio, which would make it 4-3 in favor of the studio.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Rittie on June 11, 2009 at 1:52pm

I will be very interested to see what happens. I spoke with Kim and hopefully gave her some meaningful legal points. It is a shame that this type of bias and negative treatment against tattoo artists and shops is still occuring in this country. I will continue to advocate and fight for equal treatment under the law for tattoo artists and shops. GOOD LUCK!

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Permalink Reply by Bones on June 11, 2009 at 2:05pm

Thanks! Kim mentioned that she spoke with you and that you were very helpful.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Rittie on June 29, 2009 at 1:11pm

Any News? Was it approved?

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Permalink Reply by Bones on June 29, 2009 at 4:24pm

No, they were denied again. It got a little bit crazy toward the end. They may be able to open in a less prominent spot in the downtown area or in another downtown area in a neighboring town. I think right now they are regrouping and thinking of their next plans.

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