July 23, 2026 Editor, The News-Gazette: Joseph Haney’s report (The News-Gazette, July 22, page B4), notwithstanding its balanced coverage of the issue, tells me that the Lexington Planning Commission initiated a good thing for our historic district on July 9 with their 5-0 approval of a conditional use permit for a tattoo studio on West Washington Street.
I encourage the City Council to finish the job by granting the permit and welcoming the new venture to the downtown community. Messrs O’Roark and Martin appear to have verifiable success and good reputations on their side. I wish them well and look forward to saying hello and perhaps being allowed a gander at how they do what they do.
Establishments serving the wearers of body art remain subject to negative stereotyping. This condition, I imagine, is only perpetuated by forcing them to the low-rent margins of whatever community they seek to serve. I would hope to see the O’Roark/ Martin presence downtown help turn that around and enhance our cultural vitality. GEORGE KOSOVIC Lexington
