We have been denied our occupancy permit to open the doors of our new business in downtown Franklin Park, Third Space Studio, and would like your support as we work together with the local board to gain approval in time for the summer season.

We are two local Franklin Park entrepreneurs who want to make Franklin Park a place people want to come and stay! Our business is built for members of the community to connect with one another and learn through interactive art and educational workshops and events. We've already decorated, furnished and incorporated the business with the state of Illinois and are ready to open our doors. However, we've been denied our occupancy, and must remain closed pending an appeal process.

About Third Space Studio: Everyone needs a little space away from your home and office to connect with members of their community. Third Space Studio sparks innovation and learning through developmental workshops programs within a beautiful space.

Citing the that we do not fit into one of the narrow "Village Code 9-5B-2: Permitted Uses" that was established in 1971 and includes business uses such as "Telegraph Offices" and "Phonograph Record and Sheet Music Store", we now are needing to submit to a Zoning Relief Hearing Application, which takes approximately 30 days to submit a 100 page packet of appeal (15 physical copies for each zoning board member to review) and wait approximately 90 days to be granted the right to state our case to the board.

WE ARE DISCOURAGED at this outdated process to allow a variety of businesses and increase of revenue for Franklin Park and its citizens, and YOU SHOULD BE TOO! As a startup business, how does the Village of Franklin Park expect us to survive 120 days of operating expenses WITHOUT revenue and remain a successful business?

PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION and help two local entrepreneurs appeal to the Village of Franklin Park to open our business in downtown Franklin Park that will benefit the residents of Franklin Park and greater Leyden area.

Visit www.facebook.com/thethirdspacestudio for more information on what we want to build for our community.