Working Together to Put the Interests of the Community First

Thursday, September 15, 2011

It's Called a LULU

It's not the first time the little City of Signal Hill has gotten a LULU. And, probably won't be the last. A LULU?

Just like beauty, it's in the eye of the beholder. Depending on whether the eye sees beauty or something else, a LULU can have no effect or it can be a drag on property values. It also can make our life a giant headache or just be something to talk about. In government circles, a LULU is a locally undesirable land use. When a LULU comes along, residents and business owners get a bit worried. The usual response is "well, I'm not personally against it, but I wouldn't want to have one close to me."

On Oct. 4, 2011, the Signal Hill City Council will consider a LULU. It's setting the conditions on where a Tattoo and Body Piercing Studio can open it's doors. The question is how best to protect residences, schools, churches, parks and library from the possible downward drags on our quality of life and property values that tattoo parlors may bring.

How do we protect these sensitive areas? Well, the answer is by allowing LULUs in places where the damage is the least. First, there's the right zone. Then, the question is how far from residences, schools, churches, parks and library should they be located?

The city Planning Commission already decided that locations that are at least 500 feet (about a football field and a half) from residences, schools, churches, parks and library is good enough. But, it was a 3-2 vote. The two no votes wanted the distance to be 1,000 feet.

The City Council will take up the same question. The Council can accept the Planning Commission decision or it can change it.

The choice is between 500 feet or 1,000 feet. What do you think?

Call the Council (562) 989-7300. Let your voice be heard.

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