The Darien Planning & Zoning Commission is set to hold a public hearing on June 3 to discuss a proposed prohibition on vape shops, tattoo parlors, and ear piercing studios within the town.
The proposal, raised by Commission Chair Stephen Olvany during a May 20 Operations Planning Committee meeting, reflects what he described as an effort to align permitted businesses with the town’s vision. “At our next meeting, we’re going to have a public hearing to prohibit vape shops, ear piercing and tattoo parlors in town,” Olvany said. “We’re trying to plan ahead and make sure what Darien wants to have inside Darien is what Darien gets.”
Fred Doneit, Assistant Director of Planning & Zoning, confirmed the date of the hearing in a statement to Patch. The proposal follows Darien’s earlier decision to prohibit cannabis-related businesses within town limits.
This issue came to the forefront earlier this year when an application was submitted to open a piercing studio with a retail jewelry component at 883 Boston Post Road in the Central Business District (CBD) Zone. During deliberations on January 28, Olvany and other commissioners expressed concerns over whether such a business fits the character of Darien’s downtown.
According to meeting minutes, Olvany stated the proposal was not “consistent with downtown,” referencing prior decisions that similarly restricted businesses like acupuncture services from operating in the CBD Zone. Commissioner Adam Balgach agreed, noting the use was “not appropriate for a first floor space in downtown.”
As the June 3 hearing approaches, community members and business advocates are expected to weigh in on whether Darien should continue to narrow the types of establishments allowed within its borders — a move that could shape the town’s commercial future for years to come.
Related topics: