Tattoo shop fights to stay open after city's zoning violation ruling

The latest: Bailey, who opened City of Ink in 2007, told Axios that in April, the city issued a stop-work order as crews were giving the shop a fresh coat of paint.

• Bailey's appeal of the decision will be heard Thursday by the city's Zoning Board of Appeals.

Catch up quick: Bailey told Axios the ordinance was approved to prevent a cluster of the same businesses opening in the same area.

• He was involved in drafting the original ordinance, which went into effect in 2008.

What they're saying: "We came before the ordinance, so when we were writing it out, we never even thought about us being included … years later," Bailey said, adding he believes the situation is a "misunderstanding."

• Atlanta City Council Member Jason Dozier, who supports keeping City of Ink open, told Axios he's been in regular contact with the Castleberry Neighborhood Association and others who want the business to stay.
• "From my perspective and that of many in the community, it's not just a business, but a cultural landmark and an example of the kind of creative entrepreneurship that makes Atlanta unique," he said.

The big picture: Bailey said City of Ink, which also has an art gallery space, is a popular destination in the neighborhood. The business also provides free art programs for youth in Atlanta.

• Keeping City of Ink open allows art and Black culture to flourish in a city where gentrification is making inroads into neighborhoods, Bailey said.
• "I love this city, and I'm going to do everything I can to keep some kind of art and culture at least in the heart of the city … for regular people," he said. "Our neighborhood is not perfect, but I love it very much."

What's next: The Zoning Board of Appeals hearing starts at noon Thursday at Atlanta City Hall.