001Good evening everyone. Welcome to the City of Wyandotte Zoning Board of Appeals and Adjustments. Today is, let me get my agenda, August 6th and we're in the council chambers at City Hall. Ginger, can you call roll please? DeSanto? Here. Duran? Here. Flaxman? Here. Gillen? Here. Olsen? Here. Simchuk? Here. Trippiano? Here. McDonald? And Weinklau? Are absent. Okay, great. All right, we have minutes of the July 16th meeting. You all have copies. If there's any changes or anything, please let me know. Otherwise, we'll entertain a motion for approval. Anybody wants to make that motion? Motion to approve. Okay. Support. All right, we got Mr. Flaxman, Mr. Simchuk. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Okay. All right, ladies and gentlemen, we have two appeals. We're going to read the first appeal. Once I'm done reading it, the parties can
002come to the podium. Make sure you give your name and address for the record. Anybody who speaks, name an address, whether it's in Wyandotte or outside, then just give us a little summary of what you're looking to do, what you're trying to do with the property. The board will ask you questions and then when we're done with questions, let me silence my phone. Well, they will get people from the general public out in the audience that may have questions or want to know what's going on. So then once we're done with the general public, the public portion will entertain a motion tonight and we'll either approve or deny based on the information we get and we'll do the same with the second appeal. So, okay, so the first appeal is 3431, 3106 Biddle LLC owner
003and Alka Sove, appellant, have applied to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Adjustments for Certificate of Occupancy for Gallery slash Permanent Makeup slash Tattoo at 3122 Biddle Avenue, Wyandotte, north 120 feet of Lot 4, also west half of Adjacent Vacant Alley, Lots 5 and 6, and east half of Adjacent Vacant Alley, part of Wyandotte, Part 2, Block 72, in a CBD Zoning District where the proposed conflicts with Section 190.170 of the Zoning Ordinance which states that section, that tattoo parlors are not permitted or a special use in a central business district. So if you want to come forward, move the microphone where it's comfortable and tell us what you're doing. Okay, my name is Alka Sove, my home address is 16207 Oak Tree Lane, Romulus, Michigan, and I have a little speech prepared for you
004that you all have a copy of as well along with some of my work and a few other things. So thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak with you today. My name is Alka Sove and I'm here to respectfully request a zoning variance for 3122 Biddle Avenue that would allow my building to be used for body art services, semi-permanent brow services like microblading and a variety of other tattooing techniques along with fine line delicate tattooing. In addition to creating a welcoming creative community art space, you may recognize me from when I requested a variance for Lux Studios for these same purposes. Thank you for unanimously voting in my favor at that time. I'm now very excited to share with you all that I've outgrown the space available at Lux and I'm ready to
005open my own. My vision for 3122 Biddle Avenue is to create a thoughtfully curated storefront that serves as a gallery showcasing the work of Michigan artists and a welcoming space for small group art classes. In addition to fostering creativity and community in the front of the space, the rear of the building will offer private appointment only cosmetic and tattoo services in a clean professional and serene environment. I want to begin by emphasizing that although I'm looking to obtain a certificate of occupancy for tattooing, what I offer is not a typical tattoo shop. This is about a modern professional appointment only art focused space dedicated to intention, healing, and personal expression. At the heart of my work is a desire to empower people through art. Microblading, which is a semi-permanent eyebrow tattoo for example, isn't just
006a cosmetic service. It's a deeply transformative tool that restores confidence. I've had the privilege of working with all types of clients, including clients who are preparing for chemotherapy. Together with their physician's approval, we created natural-looking brows before they lost their hair, allowing them to maintain a sense of normalcy and dignity during an incredibly difficult time. It is important and meaningful work. In my studio, every service is approached with the utmost care, cleanliness, and professionalism. The space is private, serene, and designed to ensure the clients feel safe, heard, and respected. I maintain full compliance with all state, county, city, and health regulations and go above and beyond in providing a sterile, medically safe environment. I'm multi-certified, licensed, and insured. I've attached some of my current certifications and licenses. I've worked directly with the Wayne County Health
007Department for five years now and have been told multiple times that I have the most thorough consent forms in one of the cleanest workspaces they've seen. Tattooing in my studio is equally delicate and meaningful. Many of my clients come for fine-line tattoos that commemorate lost loved ones, mark healing journeys, or celebrate personal growth. This work is intimate. It often carries far more weight than what most would associate with a tattoo. The private setting that would be possible at 3122 Biddle Avenue is a crucial part of maintaining the environment needed for the comfortability of both eyebrow services and meaningful tattoos. Beyond body art itself, I'm deeply passionate about contributing to Wyandotte's artistic and cultural landscape. Art has been a lifelong passion of mine. I grew up in Wyandotte, even having a birthday party of my own
008at Pottery Creations as a kid, and took private art lessons throughout my childhood at an art studio on Grosio. My long-term vision is to create a community art space, a place where locals can gather, exhibit work, and host creative workshops. A space where people feel uplifted and connected. I believe this aligns beautifully with Wyandotte's growing support for small businesses, creative entrepreneurs, and to safe and safe inclusive spaces. Zoning this space for body art would not only allow me to continue my work with integrity and intention, but it would also enable me to invest further in our local economy, bring new visitors to the area, and provide a much-needed service that blends art, wellness, and community. I'm not just asking for permission to operate, I'm asking for the opportunity to be a part of Wyandotte's future
009as a place that values thoughtful growth, creativity, and the well-being of its people. Thank you so much for your time, your consideration, and for everything you do to support this beautiful city. And for dealing with my shaky voice. Okay, thank you. We also have in our packets a letter from Matt Smith that's in full support, and we also have one from Becky Emosh, sorry if I messed up your name, from Lush Hair Lab, also with her support. So I just want to read those into, or just mention those into the record, that those exist. Okay, is there anything else you'd like to say before we ask questions? I think that covers everything for now. All right, just hang tight. Rich, do you have any questions for, is it Alekka? Alekka, yes. Let me ask you
010a question. You were saying something about art classes, what kind of art classes are you talking about? So as a kid, I took private art classes on Gros Zeal, pretty much all throughout my childhood, where we studied all different types of mediums, from drawing, painting, even some like collage, like structural type work as well. That was just in my childhood and adulthood. I've taken, you know, many trainings to get into the career that I'm in now, so that's how I've become like specialized in the specific things that I offer. Are these art classes something that that you're going to be teaching them how to do? Okay, the art classes that would be offered. So my vision is to make it a space where people who specialize in all different mediums could come maybe once a
011month and teach something different to the community, whether it's paper mache, crocheting, anything, all sorts of different things I'm open to, and I just want it to be a space where people can share what they know and people can learn from it. Okay, and then you're also doing what you were doing a couple of doors down. Yes. The blading, the fine tattooing. Yeah, in the back, so the front I want to be reserved for, you know, an artsy space where people feel comfortable and it's a nice gathering place for the community where I can do my day-to-day work in the back as well. Thank you. The, and I don't know if you'll know this, but the Lux Studio that you previously worked at, are they going to, do you know if they're going to replace
012you with another artist or another? That's not the intention, but I can't say for sure, but I would imagine based on, they're very salon and beauty based, so the room that I was in, I, it's quite small, like it was pretty small for what I was doing, so I can really just imagine like an aesthetician being in there, but that's up to them, but I have, I mean I'm really close with them still. My mom works there as well, so there's no like hard cutoff or anything. We fully plan on continuing to refer people back and forth, so. And then I guess, I know the other question and I know it's, it's kind of a bit of a loaded question, but you know I was looking around and Wyandotte's got seven tattoo establishments now around
013town, and I'm just wondering if you've looked at the, look at your business plan to determine, can Wyandotte support another tattoo? I think definitely, because I've been here and operating for a while now and I'm consistently booked out for months in advance, so that aspect doesn't concern me. The thing that is amazing about tattooing is there can be, you know, 50 different tattooers within the same area and we can all do something different that attracts different people, so that's a really cool thing. I mean even with the people right down the street, we refer people back and forth because we all specialize in something different. All right, that's all I had, thanks. Thank you. On the idea of the art gallery area in the front, would you have pieces for sale there or just display,
014just a little bit more about what you're envisioning there? Yeah, I think a combination of both. I would love to focus on Michigan-based artists, things that aren't really seen as often, perhaps like sculptural or some new jewelry pieces that could be for sale, so I'll eventually also be seeking the retail license if all this goes through the state tax, all of that stuff, because I would like a good combination of just a good environment, but also someone to look on the wall and be like, oh is that like for sale, who's the artist, stuff like that, and then with the hopes of having the artists that are displayed be the ones to do the workshops. Thank you. Joe? Dave? Okay, Mike? No. Okay, thank you. Jesus, do you have anything you want to add on
015this one or anything you want to say? No? Okay, thank you. All right, you can have a seat and then we're gonna call anybody up that wants to speak on this one. This is appeal 3431 at 3122 Biddle. You want to come forward, your name and address please, and state your comments. Hi, Council. My name is Jennifer Herbert and I live at 2042 22nd Street. I've been a resident of Wyandotte for 26 years. I'm here today as a resident of Wyandotte and as a local business owner on behalf of Allica in Esslin, Inc. Forgot these. I have worked with Allica in the past and also know her on a personal level. I want to start by saying that Esslin, Inc. is not just another tattoo parlor or studio. Allica is an artist first and an
016entrepreneur second. It is not just a job to her but a way for her to allow others to express themselves. Her tattoos are unique not only in style but also an application. Wyandotte is changing. People are noticing. We are evolving. We're modernizing and we're keeping up with the times, so to speak. Wyandotte is the place to be, of course, for the bars, the restaurants, the shopping, the parks, the waterfront, and much more. It's bringing in a younger generation and more revenue into our city. Our downtown is beautiful and as a resident I feel it's important to keep downtown fresh, updated, innovated, and offer a variety of services. I hope today you allow Allica to prove she is unique and allow her the opportunity to continue showcasing her talent in our beautiful downtown. Thank you. Thank
017you. Awesome. Anyone else want to come forward? Come on up now. Now's your chance to speak. Okay. Nobody wants to come up. Okay. We'll close the public portion on this appeal and ask the board about a motion. Anybody want to make a motion? All right. I'll support it. I'm gonna give it to James this time. All right. Any other discussion? Roll call. Ginger? DeSanto? Yes. Duran? Yes. Flaxman? Yes. Gillen? Yes. Olsen? Yes. Simchuk? Yes. Trippiano? No. Okay, so we have six CAs, one name. Right, yeah. Okay. You're all set. If you need any paperwork, approvals, or anything, please check with engineering and building during business hours and they'll direct you on any other, you know, process that you need to follow. Okay. Thank you guys for coming down. Appreciate you. Thanks. Okay. Okay. Let me
018make sure I had a right number. All right. Our next appeal is 3432. Jetson Cavazos, owner and appellant, has appealed to the zoning board for a building permit for covered front porch at 245 Antwine, Wyandotte, Michigan. Lot 19, Hudson Sub, in an RT zoning district where the proposed conflicts with section 19, I'm sorry, 190.290 of the zoning ordinance, which states a maximum of 35% of lot area is allowed to be covered by structures in an RT zoning district. The proposed covered porch will exceed allowable lot coverage by 263.5 square feet, resulting in a lot coverage area of 8.4%. Welcome. Hi. Hi, I'm Jetson Cavazos, address 245 Antwine, Wyandotte, Michigan. So yeah, we came to appeal just simply because of the job that I'm getting done to place a roof over top my existing porch. I've
019been in my home for a decade coming up on November, so I've been there for about 10 years. It's been a job that I've been wanting to get done since I've moved in. I'm the only home on the block that doesn't have a covered porch, so it's kind of tough to look around, see everybody sitting on their porches and having those things done, and I don't have that. So that's one of the bigger things. As of recently, there is a little bit of damage to the part where it connects to my home, and underneath there, there's like a beam that supports my porch, and because of just weather over time, it's just starting to get a little bit of damage. So not only do I feel like covering it would support that and not have
020that happen, it just would, I think, make the overall appeal of the home, you know, better too as well. So that's all I'm really here for. Okay, and you're covering from railing to railing, side to side then, or the whole? Yes, yep, and I have, this is my builder who was working on the job, so he's with me and he can kind of explain it to us. Okay, great. I'm gonna start with Mike. Any questions? No questions. Dave? No, the existing porch, you're not gonna have anything done to the existing porch right now. We're removing the porch cap and replacing the porch cap just with a new one, so that we can access the beam below it, because I'm replacing the beam as well. So we have to remove the cap to then replace the
021beam, redo the cap, and then put the porch over there. Is that in the basement then? Yeah, so there's, my porch has like an in-ground cellar-ish area, right, like a cellar. Yeah, it's very weird, you have to like go under the beam. And underneath the porch, there's a void underneath. Yeah, yep, exactly. Yeah, so now with all the weather, it's just getting a little bit bad, and like having to keep up with it, I just don't want any more damage to happen too, so. Okay, yeah. Okay, Joe? Anything? No? James, anything? No. I was concerned again about the support, because there's gonna be a good snow load on that. Right, yeah. So yeah, the existing porch looked like it could use some work, so I'm glad to hear you're repairing it. No, for sure. It's
022gonna look a lot nicer, I feel like. Good, yeah. Rich, anything? Nope. Okay, thank you. Cool. Anything more from you or the builder? No? Good, okay. All right, come on up. Let's give us your name and address, please. My name is Todd Dotson. I'm the owner of Home Base Home Improvement and Construction on Eureka Road at 16067. Thank you. In Southgate. Okay. Mr. Jetson, he has his front yard setbacks. This is, no one spoke about that, but his house is totally in line with every other house right and left, and every other house right and left has a porch, and every other house right and left has a porch roof, and he discovered a problem with his porch cap leaking into a cellar that drew attention to the I-beam, the metal beam that had rusted
023something terrible. Wow. It needs to be replaced, so the course of action would be to remove the porch cap, remove the I-beam, install a new beam, secure it properly, then pour a new porch cap that's waterproof, so it doesn't have any penetration through the new porch cap. And doing that, he looked right and left in our discussion when we were talking about the project and explained, boy, it would be really nice if I had a porch roof over this roof so we, me, and my significant other could enjoy this porch like everybody else, and I said it should be no problem, and then we got the phone call when I submitted for the permits from the building department and explained to me lot coverage. I know we're barely over the block coverage, but it just,
024his house stands on like a sore thumb. He's the only naked porch in the block, so I suggested he come to the zoning board and appeal to you guys to see if he can get his dream put together, and he's anxious, so we hope you guys give us a good vote. Okay, and the houses are so tight, they're right on top of each other on that block anyway, so, yeah, as wind-up houses are back in the day, so yeah. All right, thank you. Thank you. Anyone else here to speak? No? Okay, we'll close the public portion, entertain a motion. Anybody? Make a motion to support. Okay. I'll support. Approve. Approve. I'll support. Okay, any other? And, I mean, basically, I was down there, did something, and all the houses, the front porches, are all in
025line. If you put something that's going to be all in line, so it's not really sticking out or anything in the front yard anymore. Right, right. That was going to be my question, because the building department's supposed to take a means, because it infringes on the front yard setback, so they're supposed to measure the whole block, and if it doesn't extend past that, and I didn't see any information on that on the... Right. I mean, they don't, I think, the three houses or two houses, and then the two or three houses, they're all in line. Right, if you stand there, you can look right down. It is, you know, they don't have a... Right. It does stick out like a shotgun. You don't want anybody to come back, huh? You don't want any naked porches
026around here, so... Yeah, that's right. Okay, we have a motion to approve by Mr. Trupiano, second by Mr. Olson. Ginger, roll call. Santo. Yes. Duran. Yes. Flaxman. Yes. Gillen. Yes. Olson. Yes. Simchuk. Yes. Ruppiano. Yes. Okay, you guys are all set. We look forward to seeing it. Thank you. Thank you. All right, you're ready to go. Okay, good. Thanks. All right. Hey, Zeus, do you have anything you want to bring? I saw you getting up, so... Good evening, board. This is just a report back from the last Zoning Board of Appeals meeting for... Okay. I think it was a 1998 biddle for the former Rite Aid, which is proposing a coffee shop, and there was a parking variance granted. But as a part of the approval, there was a request for our traffic department to
027make a recommendation, which the chief did recommend that... I'm going to read his email verbatim. He recommends no left turn while exiting both the driveways, and that's onto Biddle and onto Ford Avenue. So we will communicate that with the applicant when he submits his next set of plans. And then I did also speak with the Wayne County Traffic Office. I was trying to get the eastbound signage changed, mostly for the straight movements. They're currently through the... They're currently through the left turn lane. They denied that. They stated the county prefers that the curb lines on both sides of the intersection be aligned so that if you're driving through the intersection, either way, they don't want you to deflect or change lanes as you're passing through the intersection. So that's their standard of approval, and they
028denied our request. So I just wanted the board to be aware of that. Okay. Thank you. So you guys are going to worsen to make no left? Yeah. Correct. Coming out onto Biddle, they have to go south, can't go north. If they're coming out of Ford Road, they have to go west, not east. It's like that right now. What they're saying is they have to cross traffic. Yeah. You can't go left when you're coming out of the right aid. Yeah, out of the right aid, it's been like that for years. You have to go right, you can't go left. There was a concern about traffic stacking at the intersection and then, you know, getting gridlock as the various turning movements were if they were allowed, so we'll prevent it and see. No, just the Ford
029Road, or Ford Avenue, when it's been like that for a while. I don't think the other one says, I don't know. No, I don't know about the one going on Biddle, but I know the one going on to Ford has been no left turn forever. I don't think the Biddle one has a no left turn. I think you can turn either direction as it is right now, because it's closer to Sullivan's or whatever. I don't remember. They were here at the last meeting, and that's not a condition of our approval. No. Well, the condition was that they had to do the investigation. Right, they had to do the traffic study. He's bringing the investigation to us, saying that they want to. I don't remember that. No, you weren't. Oh, I was at the Planning Commission.
030I was going to say, if you were here, you were invisible. I was here in proxy. All right. Do you mind providing copies of the police to Ginger so we can have it in our minutes? Yeah. Is that okay? Just a letter from the police department so we have that on file? Absolutely. Thank you. All right. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Any other business? Going once, going twice. All right. Our next meeting is on my anniversary, September 3rd, Wednesday, September 3rd. Do we have any appeals? Not that I'm aware of. Not that you're aware of? Okay. Good. Maybe we'll cancel. All right. But anyway, our next meeting is scheduled. If it gets canceled, that will be notified on the website. And so we'll know that whether we're having a meeting on September
0313rd. That's right after Labor Day. So anything else? Motion to place communications on file? Support? All in favor? Motion to adjourn? Motion to adjourn. Support? All right. Thank you, everybody. God bless Wyandotte. Have a safe rest of your summer. And I'll see you in September.