Politics & Government

Approval of Art Gallery/Tattoo Parlor Bodes Well for Bay Trail

Planning Commission vote paves the way for a gap closure in the Bay Trail.

Another section of the Bay Trail through Benicia is a step closer to completion after action by the Benicia Planning Commission to approve an art gallery that will have a tattoo body art parlor as an ancillary use.

  • Landon Mau, the owner of Creations and Illustrations, currently located at 814 First Street wants to move his business to a larger space in the Tannery Building so he can expand his art gallery.
  • The Tannery Building’s location on the Benicia waterfront means that any change of use requires a permit from the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC).  That permit will require the building owner to complete a segment of the Bay Trail running behind the building
  • Before Mau is issued a business license for his new location the building owner must have an agreement with the city to finish the segment of the Bay Trail that goes behind the Tannery Building
  • The Planning Commission approved the conditional use permit enabling Mau to move forward with his relocation
  • Tannery building owner, Joe Lopez, is working with the City to complete an agreement regarding the Bay Trail

Commissioner Don Dean expressed concern that Lau could get caught in the middle of a dispute between the building owner, Lopez, and the city.  Attorney Kat Wellman who is under contract with Benicia indicated that wouldn’t be a problem.  “There is a desire on the part of staff not to put the burden on the business,” said Wellman.

She went on to say that talks between Lopez and the city regarding the Bay Trail segment behind the Tannery Building are moving ahead and that Lopez is committed to finishing the segment so he can attract new tenants to his building.

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Lisa Porras, Senior Planner in the Community Development Department concurred with Wellman’s assessment and added, “The current owner is aware that won’t get too far along without finishing the trail.”

Mau, who is counting on Lopez to get the deal done with the city so he can open his business seemed to be the least worried participant in the meeting.  “Joe Lopez is a real straight shooter,” said Mau.  “He deals with the city everyday trying to get this going.”

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