The Alton City Council voted Wednesday to postpone a decision on a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreement designed to expand the parking lot of a proposed tattoo parlor on Ridge Street.
Developer Kyle Hulker plans to open “Blue Bird Tattoo” at 629 Ridge St., a site he previously sought to develop under a different business name. The property is properly zoned for a tattoo parlor, but it lacks the required amount of on-site parking. The tabled TIF agreement would have provided up to $10,000 in reimbursements for a $40,000 parking lot expansion.
While the parking expansion was the official topic of discussion, public comments largely centered on Hulker himself. Several residents voiced concerns about allegations of sexual assault involving Hulker, with some claiming he has been accused by as many as 50 women. These individuals urged the council to reconsider allowing him to open a business in Alton, especially if tax dollars were to support his venture.
“While the allegations are one part of the issue, the other is allowing our tax dollars through TIF funds to be supporting this kind of person,” one resident said, referencing the allegations. “I do not believe that allowing someone who has so many sexual assault allegations against him should be allowed into our community – and even less so, access to our money.”
Hulker, who has not been charged or convicted of any sexual assault, was, however, convicted in 2017 for mob action related to an incident in Madison County from 2015. Some residents, like Cory Davenport, expressed concern that the volume of allegations would harm the city’s reputation, with many potentially avoiding Alton due to the controversy.
“When you have more than 50 allegations, that’s a lot of people that they’re connected to that are not going to come to this city,” Davenport stated. “They’re not going to spend money. They’re not going to say nice things about Alton.”
Michael Bachelor also raised concerns about the expansion of tattoo parlors in the downtown area, referencing a previous call by late Alderman Charles Brake for a limit on the number of such businesses in the district. He suggested that the vacant space of Hulker’s former tattoo shop in upper Alton might be a better location for his new venture.
However, Kourtney Reifeiss defended Hulker, stating that the allegations were unfounded and had tarnished both his and her reputations. She warned that allowing rumors to dictate business opportunities could set a dangerous precedent for all business owners.
“For five years now, Kyle Hulker’s name and character have been dragged through the mud by baseless rumors and false allegations,” she said. “If we allow gossip to dictate who gets opportunities and who doesn’t, then nobody is safe. Today, it is Kyle – tomorrow, it could be any of you.”
When the TIF agreement came up for a vote, Alderman Raymond Strebel motioned to table the matter, citing the need to fully consider the new information presented by the public. The motion passed unanimously, delaying the decision.
Alderwoman Carolyn MacAfee later revealed that Hulker had previously sued the city after his business license for 629 Ridge St. was denied by former Mayor Brent Walker’s administration. The license denial was based on Hulker’s past affiliation with the Mongols Motorcycle Club, an organization reportedly linked to violence and criminal activity. MacAfee expressed strong opposition to supporting Hulker’s business venture, given the ongoing allegations against him.
“I cannot give support giving Alton tax dollars to Mr. Hulker to open a business in Alton,” she said.
The council has tabled the matter for now, with plans to reconsider it at a future meeting. Updates on the situation will be provided by Riverbender.com as more information becomes available.
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