Batavia City Council has taken a significant step towards enhancing local business opportunities by approving a conditional use permit for a new tattoo parlor, Obsidian Inc., at 127 State Street. The decision, made during the Committee of the Whole meeting on July 1, 2025, follows a supportive recommendation from the Plan Commission, which voted unanimously in favor of the proposal.

The applicant, Alexis Pitts, a Batavia High School graduate and former apprentice at Classic Tattoos, aims to establish her own tattoo and piercing studio in the same location previously occupied by Classic Tattoos before its closure in 2024. Pitts plans to employ multiple tattoo artists and provide services to residents of Batavia and surrounding areas. She expressed her commitment to community engagement, including plans for special discounts during local events and an annual fundraiser for suicide prevention services.

During the public hearing, no objections were raised, and the council members acknowledged the positive impact of the business on the local economy. Pitts indicated that she hopes to open the parlor by August 1, pending health department licensing and necessary renovations to the space, which will include updates to the flooring and bathroom facilities.

The approval of this permit not only marks a new chapter for Pitts but also reflects the city’s ongoing support for small businesses and its commitment to fostering a vibrant community atmosphere. As Obsidian Inc. prepares to launch, residents can look forward to new job opportunities and enhanced local services.