woodbury traffic CLC_1169.jpg

Traffic moves slowly down Broad Street in Woodbury, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013. (Staff Photo by Calista Condo/South Jersey Times)

(Calista Condo)

WOODBURY — City council has introduced an ordinance that would allow professional offices and tattoo parlors in certain commercial zones, including parts of downtown Broad Street and Evergreen Avenue.

The ordinance, which the council has referred to the city planning and zoning board for comment, also contains new language allowing and controlling live entertainment in the affected commercial zones — officially designated as C-1.

"(The ordinance) allows professional offices, instead of just retail or food establishments, on the first floor of the C-1 Zone," said Woodbury administrator Mike Theokas. "This has come up a few times when we have had interest from service-oriented businesses — legal, Realtor, financial, etc. — want to occupy empty space, but couldn't due to the zoning."

He added that the new zoning language comes as a new business, a tattoo parlor, is seeking to open in Woodbury.

"This is relevant immediately, as there is an interested business in a vacant storefront that previously could not open due to the zoning," he said.

As for entertainment, Theokas said some restaurants in the city have stated a desire to add live bands to their offerings.

"There was previously very little and vague language governing this, and again we have had an interested food business that wants to offer some live entertainment," he said. "This allows that possibly, within the restrictions listed."

The C-1 zone in Woodbury includes most of Broad Street between Barber Avenue and Cooper Street, as well as some commercial areas of Evergreen Avenue.

City council are schedule to hold a public hearing and final vote on the ordinance on Tuesday, Aug. 26.

---

Jason Laday may be reached at jladay@southjerseymedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonLaday. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.