Couple requests permit for studio

Harry and Stephanie Birkhead want to run a recording studio from their Cape Gir-ardeau home. The couple's request for a special-use permit will be reviewed at tonight's planing and zoning commission meeting.

Harry Birkhead, 44, uses the stage name Chris Belle. He said he and his wife have been using a partially converted bedroom in their home at 1124 William St. to operate Affordable Studio Services.

The home is between Hanover Street and Henderson Avenue, in a residential area. He said the business would convert records to digital media as well as record original sound for clients.

"We want to provide a place where people have a little money to spend, but can't afford $20,000 [to record] an album, but they can spend $5,000 or $10,000," he said. "Or a songwriter can spend a couple hundred dollars and get a good demo or backing track."

He said plans include converting the home's garage to a soundproof studio.

Renting a commercial property doesn't make sense, he said, because he and his wife are legally blind and unable to drive.

The planning and zoning commission meets at 7 p.m. today in the city council chambers, 401 Independence St.