Fairhope, Alabama
NEW ZONING RESTRICTIONS PROPOSED
Although his pre-existing business will not be immediately effected (grandfathered in) Fairhope native Kevin Black -- co-owner of Man O War Tattoos LLc., 319 Fairhope Ave. next to the Fairhope Courier Bldg. -- told the city council he objected to a proposed zoning ordinance amendment restricting where business such as his may locate in the city.
Body piercing studios, payday-type loan stores, palm readers, and pawn shops are also restricted, essentially from locating anywhere but heavily commercial areas on Greeno Rd. (2 loan stores already exist there).
At its April meeting, the Planning Commission voted unanimously in favor of the proposed ordinance (click).
Black told the council he thought it ironic the city had recently been named most business friendly in the state, and they "were here today to isolate and ostracize entire categories of legal and legitimate businesses."
He said that even though his business will be allowed to continue indefinitely, the new law would "seriously cripple my business' prospects for the future ... no prospects to re-locate or expand" -- and may make future lease negotiations with the building's owner problematic.
(The building, called The Suites of Downtown, is owned by Robert and Alice Taylor of Montrose, according to county land records.)
SEEKS JUSTIFICATION
Black said he had asked last summer for the city to provide an explanation as to why such restrictions are necessary, but was never provided a satisfactory one.
Black: "Why do these businesses pose a threat to children, people of faith, etc ... ."
"What is the foundation and reason behind it? None was ever provided."
He said the only justification he's heard from the city is that other cities are passing similar laws as well (Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Daphne, etc.).
WANTS EXEMPTION
Black proposed a "simple solution" for what he considered a "fabricated problem" -- by exempting his business altogether from the ordinance.
Black said he had consulted several attorneys who advised him that would be a viable solution.
Black: "Its well within the power of the council to make such a decision ... that's what we're asking for."
(When exempting his specific business was brought up at the April Planning Commission, some thought such a thing would set a dangerous legal precedent and put all future zoning at risk.)
The city council decided to let the proposal lay over until its next meeting, where the matter will be decided by majority vote.
NEW ZONING RESTRICTIONS PROPOSED
Although his pre-existing business will not be immediately effected (grandfathered in) Fairhope native Kevin Black -- co-owner of Man O War Tattoos LLc., 319 Fairhope Ave. next to the Fairhope Courier Bldg. -- told the city council he objected to a proposed zoning ordinance amendment restricting where business such as his may locate in the city.
Body piercing studios, payday-type loan stores, palm readers, and pawn shops are also restricted, essentially from locating anywhere but heavily commercial areas on Greeno Rd. (2 loan stores already exist there).
At its April meeting, the Planning Commission voted unanimously in favor of the proposed ordinance (click).
Black told the council he thought it ironic the city had recently been named most business friendly in the state, and they "were here today to isolate and ostracize entire categories of legal and legitimate businesses."
He said that even though his business will be allowed to continue indefinitely, the new law would "seriously cripple my business' prospects for the future ... no prospects to re-locate or expand" -- and may make future lease negotiations with the building's owner problematic.
(The building, called The Suites of Downtown, is owned by Robert and Alice Taylor of Montrose, according to county land records.)
SEEKS JUSTIFICATION
Black said he had asked last summer for the city to provide an explanation as to why such restrictions are necessary, but was never provided a satisfactory one.
Black: "Why do these businesses pose a threat to children, people of faith, etc ... ."
"What is the foundation and reason behind it? None was ever provided."
He said the only justification he's heard from the city is that other cities are passing similar laws as well (Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Daphne, etc.).
WANTS EXEMPTION
Black proposed a "simple solution" for what he considered a "fabricated problem" -- by exempting his business altogether from the ordinance.
Black said he had consulted several attorneys who advised him that would be a viable solution.
Black: "Its well within the power of the council to make such a decision ... that's what we're asking for."
(When exempting his specific business was brought up at the April Planning Commission, some thought such a thing would set a dangerous legal precedent and put all future zoning at risk.)
The city council decided to let the proposal lay over until its next meeting, where the matter will be decided by majority vote.
Comments
You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.
Pray for Fairhope.