Tattoo Parlor Approved by Zoning Board
The Zoning Board approved a use variance Monday to permit the operation of a new body art studio at 16-23 River Road
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Jerzey Tat, LLC, a body art studio, jumped its final hurdle Monday on way to becoming Fair Lawn's newest business.
The studio, which will do tattoos and full body piercings, was granted a use variance by the Zoning Board Monday, to permit its operation at 16-23 River Road. A body art studio had not previously been a permitted use for the area, though the existing Fair Lawn zoning code does not prohibit tattoo parlors from operating in the borough.
Jerzey Tat will occupy one of the vacant storefronts in the only mixed use building in that general area, which is primarily zoned for business but also contains residential property.
Of the building's three ground floor properties, two are currently vacant and the remaining storefront is occupied by Coviello Realty, LLC. Jerzey Tat will move into a storefront that previously housed a beauty salon.
Eight residential apartments are situated above the buidling's commercial space.
To comply with the board's concern for tenants living above the studio, Jerzey Tat owner Bruce Walker agreed to reduce his Sunday hours.
He said Jerzey Tat would operate by appointment only and would be open for business on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The studio will be closed Tuesday.
Walker said the studio would employ three tattoo artists and a piercer, in addition to himself. Its anticipated opening date is mid-to-late October.
Avalon
9:17 am on Tuesday, September 20, 2011
A THIRD Tattoo parlor!? Is this an April Fool's Day joke? I can not believe this is for real. What is happening to Fair Lawn?! The new one on Broadway has already been vandalized. I hate to ask.. What's next for Fair Lawn..?
Fern Dickey
9:32 am on Tuesday, September 20, 2011
I have no problem with a tattoo parlor. I have much more of a problem of crummy looking stores like the new dollar store in Radburn and some of the really ugly little stores on River Road. The town would like these areas to be akin to Ridgewood or Westwood (in a mini-type way) - we are FAR from that and getting farther all the time.
julie
1:00 pm on Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Lets see.....Ill gladly switch you a dollar store for 2 Krauzers,1 7-11 and a Tattoo Polar all within a mile....Oh by the way add in 17 apartment units across from Hot Bagels and 60 some odd units on River Rd and Maple..........
FairLawnrotz
3:25 pm on Tuesday, September 20, 2011
The Fair Lawn zoning board, the building owners, all should be ashamed of themselves, letting less desirable businesses set up shop for the sake of renting open vacancies! No morals, massage parlors, tattoo shops, gold pawn shops, nail salons...Garbage lined streets in Fair Lawn
Stuart Pace
3:52 pm on Tuesday, September 20, 2011
I would have named the parlor "Mildred's Pierce"
Julia Enerson
5:45 pm on Tuesday, September 20, 2011
I'm sure our neighboring towns of Glen Rock and Ridgewood will be upset that Fair Lawn has all these rockin' businesses and they'll be following suit soon. I'm all pro-business and support the entrepreneurial spirit, but didn't any of the Zoning board members consider Fair Lawn's already eroded image before approving this variance? I can see the next River Road FoodFest promo - Dinner and a Tattoo for Two.
Paul Berge
1:12 pm on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Dinner and a Tattoo Sounds like a fun promotion. Perhaps my girlfriend and I would find a reason to visit Fair Lawn if the FoodFest was promoted in this way.
Stuart Pace
10:45 pm on Tuesday, September 20, 2011
for the record Evelyn, I don't see where 7 nail salons, three tatoo parlors and 100 banks are increasing foot traffic to Fair Lawn. We need more "Picnics" and less "Dollar Deals". I'm with you.
Stuart Pace
10:48 pm on Tuesday, September 20, 2011
and I have a tat.
Paul Berge
9:05 am on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Again, contrary to your assumptions about me, I am already grown up and I am perfectly capable of understanding things that are inappropriate for children. Tattoo parlors and exposure to people with tattoos do not fall into that category for me. How about educating children about different cultures and customs. Instead of trying to banish tattoo parlors and mask children from the real world, teach them that people with tattoos are not bad people. But I guess you would need to believe that yourself before you can pass it along.
Peep shows and adult bookstores are for adult entertainment and have absolutely nothing to do with tattoo parlors. Tattoos often tell a story, or are about self expression. I can't remember the last time I heard of someone going to a peep show to commemorate the loss of a loved one, celebrate the survival of cancer, or to show dedication to their military, religion or culture.
Is the zoning board turning down people who want to open bookstores, art galleries and coffee shops? Or could it be that Amazon, Barnes & Noble and the huge increase in popularity of e-readers have made it difficult for the neighborhood bookstore to survive. Could the high rents and Starbucks on every other corner make it virtually impossible for a local coffee shop to turn a profit? As an artist, I'm all for more art galleries, but can they survive in today's economy? Are they beating down the doors of the zoning board asking to open in your town?
steven
10:54 pm on Tuesday, September 20, 2011
what are the names of the people on the zoning board? maybe we could talk with them or they with us. If a zoning board member is out there speak up and tell us who gave you the job. I'm sure you have a good reason for the tattoo palor,7-11 and all the other great buildings on River Road. Please speak out.. and do you live near this area? thanks
PaulyWalnutz
7:24 am on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
How about the McMansion going up right next to Baratta's house? Wasn't this the same council who was fighting the McMansions? Have no faith in politicians, they lie!
John Cosgrove
7:51 am on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
My Grandparents moved to the "Center Section" of Fair Lawn in the early 1900's and lived on the corner of Hopper & 3rd Street. I'm sure they would be shocked to see what has happened to Fair Lawn. It's like watching zoning on steriods!!!!! What's next Hot Dog Push Carts with apartments on top? We need to appoint people to both the Zoning and Planing Boards that respect and preserve the integrity of our neighborhoods.
I recently attended a presentation that reviewed a survey taken of Fair Lawn residents that asked what they would like to see in the River Road district. The results described a type setting with more shops and restaurants. I didn't hear any mention that residents want more Multi Family apartments on top of these business. It's like we are trying to squeeze as many people as we can into this area living above these stores and it's effecting our quality of life. It has created excess traffic and an additional burden on our infastructure and services we provide. We need to keep our business community strong, but not at the expense of our residents!!
RadburnBpark
2:40 pm on Tuesday, September 27, 2011
If you do not have more people moving in you have higher taxes to pay for the great services that are offered in Fair Lawn. There is nothing wrong with apartment buildings on top of commercial buildings not everyone can afford to own a home or need a full size home. It sounds that you do not like the type of people that may occupy those apartments. Most restaurants close within the first year so than you are left with empty stores which looks even worse. The excess traffic has been a problem on River Road for years, the street is not wide enough, one person parking can block traffic for a few minutes. Not to mention the side streets with cars attempting left hand truns on to River Road that can be very dangerous.
Stuart Pace
8:07 am on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
What is the Chamber doing to address this John?
John Doe
9:46 am on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Your right Evelyn..we don't need another tattoo shop.. we need a good TISSUE STORE.. for all the crying you do,you would keep them in business for life!
It seems you have a neg comment to say about EVERY SINGLE post on this paper.. what does that have to say about you!..
I have read all your posts here and like others your comments hold no water for facts, there just your opinion .. so heres mine since I can no longer hold my tongue.. if you like to keep your family locked up and living understairs thats your choice, but to tell someone they can't do something / say something or sell what they want,, isn't that why we live in AMERICA.. THE LAND OF THE FREE !
you got someone here that is married, might have kids, and is looking for an HONEST way to make a living to support his family... if this is his trade and what he does best I am pretty sure he is going to do what is best to keep his business running with RESPECT.
I myself like Paul also have Tattoos and travel to get only the best by the best and you would also never know I had ink done as I also have them covered.. I will continue to travel, but will check out JerzeyTat to see what they have to offer and wish them all the Luck!
With the proper knowledge and teaching you can make your child understand that Tattoos are not bad, it is art and it is a Choice ! Love it or leave it Tattoo shops are here to stay!
either adapt or be extinct like the dinosaurs !
Kathy Moore
10:02 am on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
A homeowner can go to all the meetings at the municipal building they want, get dozens or hundreds of signatures on a petition and in this town sadly it doesn't mean a thing. They only way to change the zoning, planning and other boards is to change the makeup of the town council. The council are the ones who choose who those important appointments go to. I haven't lived here as long as John, Evelyn or Stu but I feel your pain. If my hometown changed in the way Fair Lawn has in the past dozen years or so I'd be fairly devastated. COME NOVEMBER VOTE THE DEMOCRATS OUT OF OFFICE! Let's make some change in the town so we can have hope for a better future for all of us.
CutterPride
10:49 am on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Forget anything that you people are complaining about. The stereotyping that goes on in these comments is currently the most shameful part of Fair Lawn. The idea that people associated with tattoos or trying to open up a business in this industry is also somehow a criminal up to no good or should be kept away from schools is an idea that is unreal. I read this website on an almost daily basis, and am often shocked at the comments (despite that fact that it is actually often the same 4 or 5 shut-ins who could find something to complain about an article naming them Commenter of the Year) However, like JohnDoe, I have to speak up. The constant comparisons to "what Ridgewood would do" are frustrating beyond belief to read over and over again. If I wanted to live there, I would. But I chose to buy a house in the town I was raised and educated in, Fair Lawn. Would it be nice for the town to have a "downtown/Main Street" with boutiques and restaurants? Sure. But as far as I go back, Fair Lawn has never had that. So why are people commenting like the great Main Street of Fair Lawn was taken from us by your stereotyped "savages"? I, for one, will take stores that bring legitimate business revenue into Fair Lawn over empty commercial real estate ANY DAY!
John Doe
11:01 am on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Amen Cutter... AMEN !
Paul Berge
12:54 pm on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Thank you cutter. This is exactly why I am here speaking on behalf of tattooed people.
Avalon
11:29 am on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
I think it all boils down to the "Broken Windows" theory. "Tbroken windows theory was first introduced by social scientists James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling, in an article titled "Broken Windows" and which appeared in the March 1982 edition of The Atlantic Monthly.[1] The title comes from the following example:
Consider a building with a few broken windows. If the windows are not repaired, the tendency is for vandals to break a few more windows. Eventually, they may even break into the building, and if it's unoccupied, perhaps become squatters or light fires inside.
Or consider a sidewalk. Some litter accumulates. Soon, more litter accumulates. Eventually, people even start leaving bags of trash from take-out restaurants there or breaking into cars..." etc, etc, etc.
Fair Lawn had 1 tattoo parlor (who had to scratch claw and fight for his business to be here) then they added ANOTHER, and now another. Same thing with the 7-11's etc, etc, etc. LIke I said before, what's next? Fair Lawn is going down hill fast ... and furious.
BellairBerdan
4:04 pm on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
This planning is just a bad choice for Fair Lawn. I don't know what they have in mind for the future of Fair Lawn business, but it is certainly heading downward. A tattoo parlor is sign of low class for a town. Call it body art or whatever you want, but a tattoo still is a detriment. Even Paul, who is on the pro side quickly adds "you would never know because I keep them covered". Why does he keep them covered? Because it holds a person back in the business world, just as a tattoo parlor does to the town. Adding the misspelled Jerzey and the portrait of the owners not exactly looking outgoing and friendly (but I hope they are), this is not a type of business with the potential of uplifting the area.
The choices the town is making not only is bad for the town and property values, it's bad for existing businesses. Is there a need for 3 tattoo parlors in a town of 30,000? To have two Krausers within half a mile on the same street then add a 7-11 is not taking care of the business that already exist. It seems they are aiming this town downward. The businesses reflect the people that live there and reflect the people they want to attract. If I was looking for a town to buy a house and drove down River Road, I would keep on driving. Not only has it gotten cheapened it's gotten claustrophobic. The possible loss of the post office will make it deteriorate further.
Paul Berge
6:57 pm on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
When you use quotation marks around something another person said, it's customary to actually use their own words within the quotes rather than your own interpretation of them. What I actually said was "If you saw me walking down the street today, you would never in a million years guess that I had tattoos under my clothing." The key word being TODAY, because it was cold and rainy outside and I was wearing a sweatshirt.
My point was that I am not the type of person that Evelyn typically associates with tattoos because her image of tattooed people is flawed by her bias and ignorance towards tattoo culture. Given the fact that I'm a clean-cut, well-dressed guy with no piercings or facial tattoos, I speculated that Evelyn would have incorrectly assumed that I did not have any tattoos because of my weather related choice of clothing for the day.
I am proud of my tattoos and show them off quite often, including almost every day at my office. They have never held me back in any way and I'm doing just fine with my career.
Why do so many people presume to know so much about another person based on the simple fact that they have tattoos? Please stop trying to put words in my mouth. I am perfectly capable of speaking for myself.
BellairBerdan
9:51 pm on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Paul I certainly am truly sorry I misquoted you and didn't understand that your emphasis was on TODAY. I must have confused it with your other comment about how your Facebook picture was in a suit with no tattoos showing or John Doe saying he has tattoos as you do you and also keeps them covered since you didn't correct him. And yes, you are capable of and should speak for yourself and not on behalf of all tattooed people. I am very happy for you that you are proud of your tats. You should be. You will have them for the rest of your life no matter what they turn out to look like. However, there are plenty of people that do regret getting them. I'm also happy for you that they never held you back in your career. I do not know what career you have and this is the internet so you can make yourself into anything, but there are many careers where it does matter. Personally I would find it annoying and a bit disturbing if someone was showing off their tattoos almost every day in an office environment.
But Paul, this really isn't about you. It's about what residents feel is appropriate for their own town.
Paul Berge
11:02 pm on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
I appreciate you taking the time to explain yourself and I'm sorry for reacting so harshly to your initial comment.
I just want to clear up a few things. My tattoo extends to just above my elbow on one arm. When I wear a short-sleeved shirt to work, anywhere from 1" to 4" of it is visible. I'm not walking around the office with a tank top on flaunting my ink all day long.
I don't want people to think that I'm all tattoos all the time. The position of my tattoo was chosen intentionally because I do understand that there are instances where it is more appropriate to cover it. If the occasion is formal enough to require a shirt and tie, my tattoos would not be visible anyway so it's a non issue. Wearing shorts and sneakers to a job interview would probably be much more detrimental to my chances of getting a job than showing a little ink. I well placed tattoo should have no impact on your career. For what it's worth, I work as an Electrical Engineer for a very large healthcare company.
I know this issue isn't about me. But I just can't sit here and listen to residents claim to be scared for the children's safety because of a tattoo shop opening around the corner when that fear has no basis in reality. Stereotypes and stigmas only live on because we allow them to and I will continue to do my best to represent the positive side of tattoos.
RadburnBpark
2:47 pm on Tuesday, September 27, 2011
There has been a tattoo parlor for years in Fair Lawn, and no one has ever seemed to care or not move to the town or move out of the town because of one shop in the entire town.
I think a paintball shop is far worse and attracts far worse people, not to mention they got busted for growing Marijuana in the basement of the store. Yeah lets sell our kids paintball guns so they can drive around and shoot paintballs,
How about the lovely Bar/Liqour store that is in the Shoprite plaza on river road, Yeah that attracts a high class customer.
John Doe
11:32 pm on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Let me clairify since were on the subject.. mine are coverd when i am wearing long clothes.. i don't cover them on purpose to satisfy anyone. I am also proud of my tattoos and there for my enjoyment not yours or anyone else. i don't need to flaunt them.. if you don't like them ..simple don't look.. and just like someone else on here you seem to have alot of opinions that just don't hold water.. please back it up with facts/truth...if your going to say that " this is not a type of business with the potential of uplifting the area." or " Because it holds a person back in the business world, just as a tattoo parlor does to the town." prove it,, I guess you have never seen LA ink on tv that has had guests on it like : Phil colllen, Nick barrent ( of the green bay packers,) kimberly caldwell from american idol seaon 2 just to name a few of the hundreds.. Yeah your right I would just HATE to have people like that in our town.
BellairBerdan
7:07 am on Thursday, September 22, 2011
John Doe I am sure your opinions are much more valid than those of mine or anyone else, so I will make you a deal. When all those stars you mentioned drive into Fair Lawn in their limos and start tossing $100 bills into the bagel store, take a picture. Then I'll say I was wrong. When they start buying houses so they can walk to the tattoo parlor, let me know. So far the other two tattoo parlors have not turned the town into a paparazzi haven. And John, you are proving my point for me when your replies are filled with misspelled words, improper punctuation and you use the wrong words for what you intend them to convey throughout your entire post.
Michael Obsuth
10:19 am on Sunday, September 25, 2011
I have lived in Fair Lawn 17 plus years and I have been a t-ball coach all the way to the 8th grade rec teams. Same in soccer. tiger coach all the way to assistant scout master. I have 1 son thats an Eagle Scout and 1, 2 months away from Eagle rank. AND I HAVE TATTOOS. I don,t have a problem with a tattoo shop or 3 tattoo shops as long as they are legitiment businesses. Tattoos dont make a person anything than they allready are. There is liquers stores and taverns within walking distance to many stores. Most if not all the towns fire houses have bars in them also most near schools. I'm sure some of our towns firemen, policemen and EMT's have tattoos, if you need anyone of them would you turn them away from your emergency if you saw their tattoos or even if you knew they had one? This looks like a tax paying business with people just trying to make a living doing what they like to do so all I have to say is GOOD LUCK GUYS!!!!!
BellairBerdan
3:42 pm on Monday, September 26, 2011
Michael, how would you feel if a legal sex shop or sex club got a zoning variance and opened next to your home? Everyone has sex, right? If you opposed that shop would you then be against all those firefighters, police officers and EMT's that have sex? Do you think that shop would make your home more valuable and if so to whom?
You're right. A tattoo does not make a person anything than they already are. However, it will keep you from being certain things. You would need a special authorization to become a commissioned officer in the military. No president has ever had a visible tattoo. You cannot even get a job at a Disney theme park if you have a visible tattoo. But, that choice is yours.
This is really about the choices the planning and zoning board is making for the town. Dollar stores and tattoo parlors are not uplifting. Allowing multiple businesses that sell the same things within a very close distance does nothing but divide an already shrinking local dollar and continues the revolving door of empty storefronts in a neighborhood business district .
RadburnBpark
2:53 pm on Tuesday, September 27, 2011
So your point BellairBerdan is that because of an old stereotype of people with tattoo's we should continue on that stereotype and try and stop a business from opening in town that would pay taxes just like any other. And your idea of to many of the same store in one town. By that you mean we need to close some pizza places, bagel stores, and deli's because there are plenty of them in town. How many Dunkin Donuts do we have now?
Kathy Moore
1:03 pm on Sunday, September 25, 2011
no worries, Evelyn, the amount of "green" on properties is going down the toilet too. heard that the new owners of Stickna who appear to be pumping gas already want a variance so they can put a mini-mart in. This would be around the corner from a small row of business owners that I believe (not 100% sure) offer things like lotto tickets and quarts of milk. I can't really say else I don't like about the idea except for it just doesn't say suburbia to me anymore. Oh well, again the heart ache of Fair Lawn is really for you folks who knew it better than I have in the past 10 or 11 years.
steven
10:35 pm on Monday, September 26, 2011
I think Fair Lawn should give all residents in the river road area perminent resident parking stickers. Then place meters along river road to make some $ that seems like a nice way to improve the area maybe 7:00am-11:00pm it can be enforced. They seem to be doing it in other towns plus where else can you park if you want to to shop in our biz district. I would rather pay to park in a public area than have an {rightly so} angry resident maybe unintentionally spill garbage or back into my car.
just an idea maybe won't work but if i were getting a tattoo...i'd pay to park.