EAST BRUNSWICK — The Planning Board voted recently to allow a former chiropractic office on Route 18 to be used as a tattoo parlor.
The applicant, Edward Mildner of Edison, was granted approval for a minor suite plan modification, amending a previously approved list of uses for the building at 706 Route 18.
A previous board in 1997 had imposed conditions on the use of the property, requiring that there be an additional site plan review for any use not included. As a result, Mildner asked that the current board consider its use an art and tattoo studio.
The board in 1997 was concerned that “higher volume retail or office uses were not suitable for the property,” and therefore applied the condition, according to a township staff report.
The property, north of Racetrack Road and near Kendall Road, is about 6,700 square feet, and located on the northbound side of Route 18 in an HC-2, highway commercial zone. To the south and west of the site are retail strip centers, office/professional uses are located to the north, while single-family homes are to the east, according to the report.
The structure is one-and-a-half stories, and includes a full basement and a garage to the rear. The site is in “good overall condition but requires a general site cleanup,” according to the report. However, the pavement is cracked, and the stall striping has faded. There is also a broken window in the garage.
Mildner indicated he would operate the tattoo parlor seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and he will be the only employee. All the tattoos will be given by appointment.
In addition to tattoo work, the business will use its storefront to sell custom artwork, including acrylic, oil and other types of paintings, according to the application.
Landscaping has already been installed as a result of previous uses, and is still in good condition, according to the report. No new landscaping is proposed. There are four onsite parking spots and one handicapped spot. The applicant intends to use the garage for his own personal parking.
The staff recommended that the basement be used for storage only, that the parking stall striping be redone, and that the handicap stall be striped in accordance with federal requirements.
The property is owned by Susan and Richard Pollard of East Brunswick.