Neighbors urge limits on tavern hours, cite parking shortfall and alleged permits violations at proposed Kinnickinnic bar

Residents and nearby business owners urged the Saint Francis Common Council on July 13 to reject or tightly condition a special-use permit that would allow tavern hours at 4136 South Kinnickinnic Avenue.

Jerry Brownstorff, who said he and his wife own and operate In Focus Photography, told the council he moved into the area for its "quiet footprint" and said he does not want a tavern that could stay open until 2:00 a.m. "I would say no on the tavern first. Let it be a restaurant," Brownstorff said, adding concerns about unpermitted work and property upkeep.

Mary Rauschorff, who said her business and residence sit directly south of the property, asked the council to consider restricted hours, parking management and noise-control measures if a special license is granted. Rauschorff noted the city requires 62 parking spaces for the property’s proposed use but said only 41 currently exist on-site, creating a 21-space shortfall. "Is it a possibility to arrange for less people in the building so that the parking isn't such an issue?" she asked, proposing a midnight closing time as a compromise.

Tom Kipchinski, who said he is a long‑sitting member of the planning commission and voted against the zoning change and parking variance at the May 27 planning meeting, urged the council not to establish a precedent of granting retroactive approval for noncompliance. He said an earlier site visit found interior remodeling that altered the layout to accommodate a bar-and-grill model and that the newly installed sign did not conform to city placement rules. "This business owner has begun his process by bypassing city regulations and failing to obtain necessary permits," Kipchinski said.

Several neighbors recounted past patterns of late-night activity at different points in the city's history but emphasized that Saint Francis is not a late‑night party town. Rebecca Varley, who identified herself as a bartender at the applicant’s Oak Creek location, said the cited incident was an isolated, daytime fundraiser crowd that did not reflect regular clientele and that she believes the owner can operate responsibly.

The applicant, identified in the hearing as Sean, said no construction work occurred before permits were pulled. "It was just clean out. No plumbing, no electrical," he said, acknowledging that a sign panel was changed and apologizing for not knowing that required a permit. He said grounds upkeep is now being addressed.

Amy Kelto Plennis, who said she is the applicant’s general manager, told the council she runs a tight operation, does not tolerate disruptive behavior and plans to be active in local schools and events. "We're not here for late night parties," she said.

Speakers urged several remedies the council could impose if it approves the special use: limiting hours (for example to midnight), requiring a parking-management plan (or marking off street spaces), restricting outdoor smoking areas adjacent to neighboring property, and adding enforceable property‑maintenance conditions. Several residents also asked the council to require that permits and inspections be completed before allowing a change in operations.

The public hearing was closed by the council after members sought additional speakers twice and none came forward. The planning commission had previously recommended approval of the certified survey map for the property; the council recorded that recommendation on the consent/agenda actions that followed.

Next steps: The council heard the public record on the 4136 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue item during this meeting; any formal council action on rezoning, special licensing hours, or permit conditions should appear on a future agenda or be reflected if the council later votes on the specific ordinance or license. The public hearing record will inform those next steps.