Despite objection from Renee and Dave Rowley, co-owners of the Designer Consignor next door at 1809 S. Mission St., the commission passed Thursday a motion to approve the use of a group A special-use permit to relocate Sinister Productions from its current location at 2056 S. Isabella Road.

Sinister Productions owner Norman Dow’s request drew support from his former clients, ranging from permanent residents of the Mount Pleasant community to students at Central Michigan University.

According to the specifications of the approved package, Dow must obtain a copy of a state license proving that his facility meets and adheres to minimum public heath standards, including inspection by local health departments. The standards will be put into effect by the state starting Jan. 1, 2010.

The Planning Commission expressed concern that the addition of a tattoo parlor to the proposed location would encourage the development of a “skid row” area.

However, both property owner Steve Silverberg and Dow agreed loitering would not be permitted outside the studio and smoking would only be permitted outside the back of the building.

“There will be absolutely no ‘skid row’ effect because I run a clean and respectable business,” Dow said.

Dow also must adhere to the set hours of operation — from noon until 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Sears request

The Planning Commission approved the request of a site plan review by the Tancor Corporation to replace an outdoor enclosure at the loading dock of Sears, 1400 S. Mission St. The replacement will require the destruction of the vacant Taco Boy building.

The vote was unanimous for approval of the site plan, provided the Tancor Corporation follows the Oct. 20 plan presented to the Planning Commission.

The Planning Commission discussed the financial implications of the 2010 Census for the City of Mount Pleasant, and stressed the importance of students correctly filling out forms.

Jeff Gray, Mount Pleasant director of Planning and Community Development, said the two agenda items are the requested special use permit for Sinister Productions and a site plan review for Sears.

The Mount Pleasant Planning Commission meeting is at 7 p.m. Thursday at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway St.

Norman Dow, the owner of Sinister Productions, 2056 S. Isabella Road, is requesting to move his tattoo parlor to 1807 S. Mission St., near Jimmy John’s.

Dow’s 15-year-old business was originally located on North Mission Street prior to relocating to its current location on Isabella Road.

“My studio was at 710 N. Mission St. for approximately nine years,” Dow said in his request for a special use permit. “(It) had no adverse impact on the neighborhood or any of the businesses around me.”

Dow believes the move to South Mission Street will give his studio more customers and increase traffic flow.

After an overview of the case, the applicant will have the option to discuss their request, and then the forum will be open to the public. After the request has been discussed, the committee will decide whether to approve, deny or postpone the request.

“It’s really the planning commission’s decision to make,” Gray said.

In addition to Dow’s request for a special use permit, the Tancor Corporation is requesting a site plan review prior to removing an outdoor enclosure at the loading dock of Sears, located at 1400 S. Mission Street.

The site plan calls for the demolition of the vacant former Taco Boy building.

The Tancor Corporation will present its request to replace the loading dock enclosure at Sears with a building addition to match the existing structure.