What is art?
That is the question Alton, Ill. residents and council members debated after the owner of a tattoo parlor, Grand Piasa Body Art, proposed relocating his business to East Broadway Street, in the city’s historic downtown district.
Initially, city officials and potential stakeholders intended to redevelop the area into a high-end art district. While some residents like the idea of moving the tattoo parlor downtown, and believe that it is in fact “art,” others believe that having the tattoo parlor would attract the wrong crowd and depreciate the value of surrounding businesses.
Fred Pollard, managing editor of AdVantage News in Alton, joined “Cityscape” host Steve Potter to discuss how city council members and business owners are considering the proposal. The tattoo parlor’s owner, Chris Hinkle, is requesting a special use permit from the Plan Commission.
“Cityscape” is produced by Mary Edwards and Alex Heuer and sponsored in part by the Missouri Arts Council, the Regional Arts Commission, and the Arts and Education Council of Greater St. Louis.