On Tuesday, Sept. 26, Homewood trustees approved the village’s second tattoo and piercing studio. Lifelong Homewood resident Robert Garrity received a special use permit to own and operate his tattoo studio, Ink-N-Um, at 18661 Dixie Highway.
The property was formerly zoned as the B-2 district, which did not allow tattoo establishments. In January 2023, Homewood adopted an updated zoning ordinance and map that made the area a B-3 zone, which allows special use permits for tattoo studios.
The new zoning map amendment allows Garrity an opportunity to relocate his existing tattoo business from Calumet City to Homewood.
“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time,” said Robert Garrity. “Supporting my community and my family is very important to me and I am very excited for this moment in my life.”
Prior to the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting held on Sept. 14, the commission received more than 50 emails of support for Garrity’s tattoo business to relocate to Homewood. At the meeting, approximately 25 people attended to express support of Garrity and his tattoo business.