"It's going to be like a domino effect," said Robert Boyd, of Williamsport. "I just don't agree with it."
Two people said they favored the proposed zoning text amendment in its entirety, but declined to elaborate.
The Williamsport Planning Commission sent the council a letter recommending prohibition of new tattoo, body piercing and exotic dance establishments.
The council made no decisions Monday.
Testimony heard at the public hearing will be discussed at an open work session May 1, and the council will approve or reject either all or part of the proposed revisions at the May 8 town meeting.
The council also has the option of permitting affected establishments by "special exception," on a case by case basis, said Town Attorney Edward Kuczynski.
The council in March unanimously voted to introduce a proposed text amendment to the town's zoning ordinance. The motion to amend the text was in response to residents' requests, Mayor John Slayman said.
Existing tattoo, piercing and exotic dancing businesses would not have to leave town, but must stay in their present location if the zoning text were changed, Kuczynski said.
Mr. Natural's Tattoo Studio and Ms. Natural's Body Piercing at 3 N. Conococheague St. are the only such establishments in town.
There are no exotic dance clubs in Williamsport.
Tattoo studio owner Jared Jordan rents space at his shop's old location at 40 N. Conococheague St. He said he eventually would like to buy that building for his business.
Building owner Sherry Shergy said Jordan is an ideal renter and would make a good owner.
"He's clean. He pays the rent on time, and he keeps the trash out," Shergy said. "He's paying taxes and actually helping the town. I think he should be able to move wherever he wants. It's only fair."
Both Jordan and Tisha Saville, of Ms. Natural, said they were against allowing new exotic dance clubs in Williamsport.
