Miya Bailey, the owner of City of Ink Tattoos, is grappling with a city-issued stop-work order that has forced his tattoo studio in Atlanta’s Castleberry Hill neighborhood to shut down.
Bailey claims that the order is a result of a misunderstanding regarding a 2008 ordinance he helped shape, designed to protect his business from competition.
Originally an art gallery, City of Ink has been a cornerstone of the community since it opened in 2007, providing funding for various local art projects and initiatives.
“City of Ink is originally an art gallery that happened to have a tattoo studio inside of it,” Bailey explained.
Bailey pointed out that the income generated from tattooing is essential for supporting community projects, including curated art galleries and a community center.
The recent shutdown came as a surprise to Bailey, who noted that the ordinance’s intent was misconstrued by current code enforcement personnel who seemed unaware of his long-standing presence in the area.
Bailey expressed his frustration, stating, “The code enforcer didn’t know how long we’ve been here or what we were doing. Atlanta hires code enforcement officers who aren’t familiar with their communities.”
Having served as an economic engine in a neighborhood that was once largely vacant, City of Ink has contributed to the cultural fabric of Castleberry Hill by funding various ventures such as the Peter Street Station and the Nina Baldwin Gallery.
Prior to the closure, Bailey employed around nine artists, yet he continues to bear the costs of rent, utilities, and insurance for the shuttered studio while trying to sustain his galleries.
“Everything is self-funded by selling art and making tattoos,” he emphasized.
Remarkably, Bailey believes that his situation is part of a broader trend of aggressive code enforcement against small businesses in Atlanta.
This ongoing struggle is compounded by his recent court battles regarding several minor citations, including those related to promotional vinyl on windows.
During these court appearances, he witnessed other residents facing similarly harsh enforcement measures covering trivial issues, such as an elderly woman being cited for tall grass and a man penalized for doing car work in his own yard.
Bailey critiqued Atlanta’s enforcement practices, stating, “A system without empathy is not for the people.”
He sees these issues as reflective of gentrification pressures exacerbated by events like the upcoming 2026 World Cup, especially with Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s proximity.
Despite the challenges, Bailey has garnered support from community stakeholders, including current City Councilman Jason Dozier and former Councilman Kwanza Hall, along with the local neighborhood planning unit.
The city’s mayor’s office has also expressed a willingness to help clarify what officials refer to as “a mix-up in paperwork.”
Plushette Ellis, operating officer for a local project, praised Bailey’s contributions, remarking, “City of Ink isn’t just a business; it’s a cultural landmark in Castleberry Hill. It laid the foundation for the art and creative economy we see here today.”
Bailey plans to appeal the shutdown during a meeting with the city’s zoning board on July 17 at noon, urging the community for support.
“I’m really asking Atlanta to come out and support, help out,” Bailey concluded.
He anticipates throwing a big block party to celebrate the reopening of City of Ink.
image source from:theatlantavoice