Madison panel approves nightclub conditional use at 406 N. Francis with midnight rule for garage door

The Madison Plan Commission on March 17 approved a conditional use to allow a nightclub at 406 North Francis Street (Chase Bar), adding a condition that the establishment’s front garage door may remain open prior to midnight but must be closed at midnight during live musical performances. The commission recorded the motion as passed unanimously.

The conditional-use request was introduced by planning staff and described as a change of use for a currently operating establishment that would include live music. Chris, planning staff, said the application “is currently operating in that location, but they have proposed to operate a nightclub,” and noted residential buildings immediately north and across the street.

The applicant, registrant Jay Wanserski, told the commission he invested heavily in the venue and asked why the city would require doors to be closed when weather is good. “Why would I close my doors if it’s nice?” he asked, describing an investment of “about hundreds of…