The future of a possible tattoo parlor remains uncertain after the Aurora City Council tabled for two weeks consideration of a new license for it.
Aldermen on Tuesday agreed to hold a resolution expanding the allowable number of licenses for tattoo parlors in the city from four to five until at least the July 9 council meeting.
But in announcing the hold, Mayor Richard Irvin added the city “will see if it will be on the agenda at all.”
The council previously voted 7-4 against adding the fifth license which keeps the Paradise Tattoo House from getting the license it needs to open in a building along High Street in the 1st Ward.
The business would be owned by Brandon Rodriguez, whose supporters have portrayed him as a well-known tattoo artist who wants to open his own business. He is seeking to open in a building along High Street near the High Street Bridge, in a former barber shop building.
Rodriguez and several of his supporters showed up to the City Council meeting Tuesday night to voice their support again for the proposed tattoo parlor.
Many of the comments were about Rodriguez and the positive influence he could be on the community. People also showed support for tattoos in general as a true art form, not with the links to criminal activity they used to have.
“More people from all walks of life are embracing them,” one supporter said.
Another supporter said Rodriguez not only wants to run his own business, but wants to help youth in the community, too.
“He’s willing to do a lot of things people aren’t willing to do, or are scared to do,” another supporter said.
Rodriguez himself said he cannot see a reason why the council would deny him a license.
“I really don’t see in which way I could harm this community,” he said. “Tattoos do not make people criminals.”
The crux of the argument against Rodriguez locating along High Street has hinged on whether the area in question is more of a residential one. Those against expanding the number of licenses have sided with the idea the area is more residential.
slord@tribpub.com
