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SECTION 4: JUSTIFICATION <br /> "Tried & True Tattoo" is an established body art studio owned and operated by artist Jesse Blunt <br /> since 2014. Jesse, a Decatur native, has been tattooing professionally since 2009. He is a <br /> decorated Eagle Scout, graduated from Argenta/Oreana High School and has attended <br /> University of Illinois, Richland Community College, and Westwood College studying Art and <br /> Design. <br /> The following are facts relating to his business"Tried & True Tattoo": <br /> - Tried &True is an award winning, upscale tattoo studio specializing in artistic tattooing, <br /> cover and rework. Mr. Blunt is proficient in many styles, including portrait realism, <br /> calligraphy, Asian and American traditional tattooing. <br /> - Operating as a solo studio, Jesse boasts a clientele that includes local law enforcement, <br /> fire and rescue, healthcare, local business owners, and a high percentage of adult <br /> professionals. <br /> - Operates under the most updated, stringent health and safety standards and is regularly <br /> inspected by State and local health agencies. <br /> - Finished in the top 3 tattoo establishments in the Herald & Review"2016 Reader's <br /> Choice Awards" and retains a 5 star Google business rating. <br /> - Operating hours are 10am-5pm and work is carried out by appointment only. <br /> The surrounding neighborhood is part of the greater downtown business district but currently <br /> suffers from a disconnection that requires intrepid, vibrant, thriving business owners to bring <br /> back from obscurity. Tried &True Tattoo is a progressively run studio which seeks to be more <br /> than simply a service business. Having purchased the building for which this zoning variance is <br /> requested, the corporation of which Mr. Blunt is a part is seeking to open a record store and <br /> coffee shop in the adjacent building space. <br /> I look forward to the opportunity to join the diverse community of small local businesses <br /> operating in the downtown Decatur area. <br /> ":�2r <br /> Jesse Blunt <br /> [SEC 4: JUSTIFICATION RE: PETITION FOR VARIANCE TRIED &TRUE TATTOO] <br />