11-23-2005 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

specifically 921.010.04 as it relates to the proposal of the requested text amendment in combination with the requested C.U.P. for 2760 Lakeshore Avenue. Because I do not believe this text amendment measures up the Little Canada Mission statement and because there are ample tattoo establishments within easy driving distance for those of us who seek to express ourselves through the tattooing and /or piercing arts and because I do not believe there is a significant need for such services in Little Canada and because I am unclear in regard to 921.010.0.4, and because zoning regulations are intended for the long haul, I believe the requested text amendment is not in the best interest of Little Canada and ask the City Council to deny the request. In absence of a denial, I ask that the Council take extra care to hear the concerns of Little Canada residents and take extra measures of caution before moving forward with a text amendment in favor of adding tattoo parlors to our zoning codes. Should the council believe that the requested text amendment is one that is of benefit to our community both in terms of economics and livability, OR that in addition to the aforementioned concerns there are other free enterprise concerns /issues which require the city to allow for this text amendment, I sincerely and earnestly request the consideration of added provisions which would buffer those neighborhoods directly adjacent to areas zoned as B -3. Many members of the public perceive areas within which tattoo parlors are located as less safe than other areas which do not have such uses. While this is true of other establishments such as bars and entertainment clubs such truth does not negate the real perception of many members of the public. This is a particular concern when such a location is in direct relation to a residential area. It is reasonable to conclude that such perceptions are likely to have some degree of impact on real estate values and community self - perception /worth. I believe the self - perception of a neighborhood and community is more than a psychological cliche...it is essential to the building of stronger communities. Having ministered for seven years in the city of Minneapolis I am speaking from real experience and I am asking you to pause and reflect upon this crucial point. Our personal disagreement with negative public perception will not alter the actual /real impact of public negative perception. Second, the combination of businesses such as bars and tattoo parlors in close proximity will tend to increase the above public perceptions. Additionally, in my opinion, it is reasonable to conclude that, such establishments operating in close proximity will tend to heighten the severity of any already existing problems of public safety /crime. For the above reasons, should the Council see fit to amend our zoning code, I am asking the Council to add specific provisions which would allow for the practice of such business in Little Canada while also clearly buffering residential areas from any potential negative impact. The Little Canada Zoning Code already contains specific provisions to buffer neighborhoods under the category of "Adult Uses" 903.130.6. I believe line 1 is the most pertinent of these provisions; "located at least five hundred (500) radial feet, as measured in a straight line from the closest point of the property line of the building upon which" the tattoo parlor is located to the property of: "residentially zoned property, a licensed day care center..." 2 - 2 8 -