Tattoo shop draws interest in Libertyville

A last-minute addition to Tuesday's village board meeting calls for a moratorium on personal services in the downtown and immediate area - a response to a plan by a Crystal Lake man who describes himself as a high-end custom tattoo artist.

Mark Hoffmann, an illustrator by trade, said he wants to break the negative stereotypes sometimes associated with the tattoo industry. Dinosaur Studio would offer a family friendly atmosphere to which even a soccer mom would be attracted, he said.

"My dream has always been to open an art studio," he said. "Just because I'm a tattoo artist does not mean I'm not an artist."

Hoffmann plans to lease space at 406 N. Milwaukee Ave. The process had been going well until an inspection scheduled for Monday was canceled.

"All of a sudden, they don't want me in there," he said Monday. Hoffmann claimed Mayor Terry Weppler was discriminating against his business.

Weppler acknowledged he will ask for a six-month moratorium on personal services in the area. He said the plan commission has been examining all village codes and at one point suggested changes regarding business uses downtown.

"That was one of the uses they suggested not be allowed in the downtown zoning district," he said.

Weppler said he doesn't support the idea of a tattoo parlor in that location.

"I don't know a tattoo parlor is appropriate for the downtown. The downtown is more family friendly," he said. "That's my personal opinion but it's up to the (village) board which way it goes."

Hoffmann argues there is a tavern two doors away from his proposed shop and a lingerie store prominently located a few blocks north on Milwaukee Avenue.

Cynthia Chicca, owns the space Hoffmann wants to lease and operates Treasures & Trash in the adjacent storefront.

In a letter to Weppler and trustees, she described herself as old school with a bias against tattoos.

"After several meetings with Mark my fears and preconceived notions regarding an art establishment were allayed," she wrote. "He has a sound business sense and a viable business plan to create a studio to attract affluent clients to the downtown area."

She said she already has turned away several prospects she felt were unsuitable.

Tattoo parlors are allowed by village code. There are three in town but none in the central business district. Personal uses also include businesses such as hair and nail salons, according to Heather Rowe, the village's economic development coordinator.

"Basically, it just opens up discussion," she said of the moratorium.

The board meeting begins at 8 p.m. at village hall, 118 W. Cook Ave.