Pipsqueak Wine seeks 12-seat patio at 6410 W. North Ave.; property owner endorses plan

The Wauwatosa Common Council on April 21 held a public hearing on a conditional-use permit application to allow outdoor seating for Pipsqueak Wine at 6410 West North Avenue and forwarded the item to the Planning Commission for a May 12 recommendation.

Why it matters: The request would add outdoor seating with a capacity of 12 persons in front of the building at a prominent North Avenue corner, activating a programmed activity node identified in the city's corridor plan.

Planning staff described the request: the applicant, Jonathan Bleckman of Pipsqueak Wine, seeks outdoor seating in a patio area that may be on neighboring property near GCA Architects, with proposed hours of operation that vary by day (4–9 p.m. Monday–Tuesday; 1–9 p.m. Wednesday–Saturday; 1–6 p.m. Sunday). Bleckman told the council the outdoor area is intended to help the business “become more part of the community” and allow the operation to grow.

Property owner Joe Galbraith of Galbraith Carnahan Architects, whose building adjoins the site, spoke in favor. Galbraith said the patio activation fulfills a long-standing vision for the corner and that Pipsqueak has operated without complaints during its year as a tenant. He said, "This corner was identified a long time ago as part of the North Avenue plan, creating some sort of activity node... they've done a great job running their business and I expect that they will do the same with the outdoor space."

No speakers opposed the application and no e‑comments were received. The mayor closed the hearing and confirmed the item will go to the Planning Commission May 12 and return to the council May 20 for final consideration.

What’s next: Planning Commission review on May 12; council consideration May 20.