Tattoo Artists And Tattoo Lovers Dominate Public Hearing

With a showing of about 40 residents, the Clinton Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) heard from nine who rose to speak in favor of to their existing business.

Two people addressed the PZC in opposition to the application at the Feb. 6 public hearing.

Those who addressed the commission were not required to provide their name and address.

A month ago, Lisa and Edward Alberino, who own and on East Main Street applied for a special exception permit to add tattoo services to their existing business.

A public hearing was held in January and extended to February 6. After hearing from those in favor and opposition, and those who had general comments or questions, the PZC closed the public hearing.  A decision was not made on the application, but one could come as early as Monday, Feb. 13, the next date of the PZC's regular meeting.

Licensed tattoo artists came out to speak including a woman named Ashley who grew up in Clinton but now resides and works in New York City.

"There are many myths surrounding tattoo shops such as they are only for criminals and drug dealers," said Ashley.  "As a professional tattoo artist, I will say that a legitimate, clean and safe place is always in your best interest. A reputable shop would put an end to illegal and unsanitary conditions."

Ashley said she knows this for a fact as she has "fixed" the tattoos from illegal shops.

She said men, women and young people from all corners of life have tattoos for many reasons - to celebrate the birth of a child; in memory of a parent, spouse or child who died; or to commemorate a milestone.

Kelly Provost noted that, "One in four people have a tattoo. The tattoo industry is hot."

Provost said Clinton needs new businesses and people to come and visit and spend money here.

"Clinton is made up of a diversity of people and this town needs a diversity of businesses," she said.

Vincent Cimino reinforced that the Alberino's are established business owners and he "salutes the business owners for coming up with an innovative new business not offered in town."

Gene Pica, a realtor with ReMax in Branford, said he'd never had a potential home buyer ask whether there was a tattoo parlor in town.

"I've never come across this as an issue," said Pica, who noted there are tattoo services in Woodbridge, North Haven, Wallingford, East Haven and Deep River.

Jane Scully Welch showed the commission her tiny tattoo of a ladybug and said it wasn't a good job.

"I'd like someone reputable and in town to fix it," she said.

Those opposed to the application spoke next and included Bruce Farmer and Phil Sengle.

Farmer caused a bit of an uproar when he stated that 41 percent of Hepatitis C infections are caused by tattoos and that tattoos can also cause melanoma, skin cancers and ink poisoning.

"They are a very dangerous business that can cause harm to adults or kids," said Farmer.

He did say he had nothing against the Alberino's and that they were good neighbors and good business people. He said he recognized that in this economy, hair salons and barber shops are struggling like anyone else.

Sengle admitted that while growing up, only "sailors, Marines and motorcycle gangs" had tattoos.

He said the Alberino's are "fine people and upstanding members of the community."

"But that's not the point of this particular application," he said. He is concerned that if granted the special exception, that it stays with the property and future owners may not be as professional or trustworthy.

"None of us lives forever," said Sengle. "The next owner could say the heck with that."

Applicant Edward Alberino reinstated that he would have no advertising of the tattoo services.

"There will be no sign, ever. We are not selling the building, we've invested a lot in it. We want to leave it to our kids," he said. "We aren't going anywhere and we aren't looking for any loopholes."

Commission members asked a few questions about the salon's existing hours (Monday - Friday from 10am to 6pm and Saturday from 9am to 4pm) and how they would monitor underage kids from receiving a tattoo.

The Alberino's said the tattoo services would be by appointment only and would be open only during regular business hours. They would need to see a copy of a birth certificate and/or driver's license.

"I'm not going to tattoo a 17-year old," said Edward Alberino. "That's my pledge."

He also addressed the Hepatitis C comment by saying he is a certified instructor with the Red Cross in blood safety. A friend of the Alberino's who is a licensed tattoo artist said like a doctor's office, they use disposable needles, cups, and gloves. Needles are one-time only use and disposed of in a medical sharps container.

Tattoo artist Ashley said in the State of Connecticut, tattoo services and/or shops must be backed by a physician and regularly inspected. Artists must be licensed, must I.D. everyone and receive blood safety training.

The commission closed the public hearing portion of this application. Their next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 13, 7pm at town hall.