Residents urge limits, say late-night nightclub at 1825 S. 72nd St. disrupts sleep and public safety

Several West Allis residents told the Common Council on April 15 that a nightclub at 1825 S. 72nd St. (formerly Westallion Brewery) is causing persistent late-night noise, safety concerns and permitting questions. Lynn Gunderson, a resident of 1716 S. 72nd St., said bass from the venue’s sound system often vibrates nearby homes and continues into the early morning hours, leaving neighbors without sleep. “Neighbors are trying to get sleep after 10 p.m. and can hear the bass blasting so loud it vibrates their house,” Gunderson said.

Celia Meisel and her husband, Ryan Meiselle, who rent at 1752 S. 72nd St., described frequent Friday and Saturday disturbances and events advertised to run as late as 4 a.m. Meisel said the couple had tried to resolve the problem directly with the business but left a conversation with the venue owner discouraged. “We go to bed anxious, uncertain if we’ll be able to sleep,” Meisel said, adding that loud, low-frequency sound aggravates health conditions in their household.

Other neighbors raised related concerns: Lynn Gunderson said she and other petition-signers have reported permit gaps — including an occupancy permit issued only on April 3 — and public-safety incidents posted on the venue’s social-media pages. Gunderson asked the council to pursue enforcement and said she wants the venue to close.

Not all speakers urged closure. Esteban Quinones, who said he does not live on S. 72nd St. but attends the venue, described the site as an alcohol-free space favored by many in the EDM community and asked the council to permit the business to operate while resolving complaints. “T42 is one example of how far raving has come … being able to enjoy music and dance in a safe, legal, and most importantly, alcohol-free setting,” Quinones said.

Council members did not take formal action on the issue during the meeting. Mayor Mary Devine and staff noted repeated requests that enforcement and permitting questions be handled by city departments; Alderman Kevin Haas said staff would send letters and follow up with the licensee and agent about any outstanding indebtedness or permit problems for related license matters. City staff said any outstanding code or permitting concerns would be addressed before a final licensing action at a later meeting if necessary.

Neighbors said they will continue to file complaints and press for permits and enforcement through city channels. The Common Council did not schedule a specific vote related to the nightclub at the April 15 meeting.

Ending: The venue’s supporters and neighbors both urged city action at the meeting: supporters asked to preserve the space for young people, while multiple neighbors pressed for enforcement and permit review. Council members said staff would follow up with the licensee and distributor where appropriate; further formal actions would be determined in subsequent meetings or by staff enforcement.