Planning commission approves of tattoo parlor

The Cairo Planning Commission said yes to a new tattoo parlor in Cairo Thursday night.
A public hearing was held last week and on the recommendation of the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission, the Cairo Planning Commission members voted unanimously to recommend approval of a conditional use permit sought by Jack R. Ingram Jr.
According to city officials, Ingram opened his business earlier without a permit and the city’s building department shut it down and the owner was fined in Cairo Municipal Court.
Ingram is now seeking to reopen and to do so legally by obtaining a conditional use permit.
The parlor, if the permit is approved, will be located at 25 11th Ave. N.E., which is property owned by Mills Rental, LLC.
A tattoo parlor is not permitted in a Highway Commercial District zone, but a conditional use permit would make it legal to operate in that zone.
Some opposition from neighboring property owners was expressed, but the planning commission approved and is recommending to the council the permit be approved.
The Cairo mayor and council will hold a public hearing on the application on Monday, Jan. 14, 2013, at 6 p.m.