City of Ink tattoo shop can reopen after zoning dispute
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City of Ink in Castleberry Hill. Photo: Courtesy of Kaylah Hagler
A popular Castleberry Hill tattoo shop that the city of Atlanta abruptly closed over a zoning rule can reopen.
Why it matters: Miya Bailey, owner of City of Ink, said his business was already operating when a zoning change prohibiting tattoo parlors in Castleberry Hill Landmark District was enacted in 2008, so it should have been grandfathered into compliance.
The latest: Bailey told Axios Thursday that a hearing to determine if he could reopen was canceled because the city determined it to be in compliance.
What they're saying: "This city is trying to work out all the stuff that we need to do and come in compliance with and…meet in the middle," he said, adding it was "beautiful" to see so many people speak out in support of his business.
- Bailey told WABE's "Closer Look" host Rose Scott that Mayor Andre Dickens and his staff promised the issue would be resolved.
Catch up quick: Zoning officials issued a stop-work order in April after they said the shop violated the zoning ordinance.
- Bailey appealed the decision, and he was set to argue the case Thursday before the Zoning Board of Appeals.
A city spokesperson said the mayor learned of the tattoo shop's closure late last week and spoke with Bailey during the weekend.
- "Several staffers have been working with Miya and his landlord," the spokesperson said in a statement. "This is obviously a complicated property matter — predating this Administration — that we are working toward the best and swiftest solution for all involved."
The big picture: Bailey, who also owns Peters Street Station, an arts center and event space, said he wants to build on the momentum of the support he received by encouraging the city and others to invest in arts programs.
- He said with help from the community, Atlanta can turn vacant brick-and-mortar spaces into art centers that will keep children off the street.
- "We've been doing this self-funded, but we only can do it at a certain amount," he said. "So imagine a little funding from the city, we can do these (types of) programming every day."