Local tattoo artist Kourtney Quick has gained significant support from Hanceville residents ahead of Thursday’s city council meeting. Officials are set to reconsider whether to amend the city’s zoning ordinance to allow tattoo establishments.
Currently, tattoo facilities are not listed in the city’s zoning ordinance, preventing them from obtaining a business license. Quick first petitioned the council to amend the ordinance in May.
At the June 27 meeting, councilmembers delayed approving a recommendation from the Hanceville Planning Commission to allow tattoo shops within city limits. This delay followed opposition from councilmember John Stam.
Stam expressed concerns over the lack of a distance requirement in the proposal, which would prevent tattoo establishments from opening near churches or schools.
“If they’re going to go in by schools and churches, that’s a big no from me,” Stam said. “I have talked to some other people about this. I guess it’s more of a generational difference, but a lot of the older generation are skeptical about tattoo places, especially in the downtown area.”
Quick has received permission from Charlie Mann, the owner of Mann’s Garden Shop, to use a vacant side of the shop, which is near both St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church and First Baptist Church.
Quick has started an online petition on change.org, which has quickly gained support from many residents.
“I am a 33-year-long resident of Hanceville, intimately woven into the fabric of our vibrant community. For the past 10 years, I’ve been a professional tattoo artist and given back every chance I’ve had. From participating in clothing and toy drives for local children to running tattoo specials where all proceeds were donated directly to those in need — I’ve made service a key part of my life. I am committed to Hanceville and want to further contribute by opening a private tattoo studio downtown,” the petition states.
As of Monday, July 8, the petition had surpassed its goal of 500 signatures.
Planning Commission President Nolan Bradford noted the strong local support during the most recent commission meeting on June 24.
“You’re going to have a lot of people who want this,” Bradford said.
The upcoming Hanceville City Council meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, at Hanceville City Hall. A work session will take place before the meeting at 5 p.m.