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Neighbors divided as Licenses Committee renews Kelly's Bleachers permit after noise, fence disputes
Summary
The Milwaukee Licenses Committee renewed Kelly's Bleachers' tavern and entertainment licenses following neighborhood testimony split between complaints about repeated loud music, a missing fence and parking disturbances and nearby residents who praised the business' management. Police reported multiple premise checks with no violations.
The Licenses Committee renewed the class B tavern, public entertainment premises and food dealer license for Kelly’s Bleachers at 5218 West Bluemound Road after a divided public comment period on Sept. 9.
Anthony Lucchini, agent for S and V, Inc., told the committee the business has cooperated with police and described recent soundproofing work to the rear wall and a newly installed fence the business maintains. Milwaukee Police reports included several premise checks across 2024–2025; officers found no licensing violations on inspected dates, though calls for service included noise complaints and a disorderly patron incident.
Neighbors spoke on both sides. Catherine Anderson, who lives directly north of the property, said the business’ parking lot borders her backyard and that she has experienced repeated, extended loud music and parking-lot noise that has left her unable to sleep on some nights. Kelvin Menge, another neighbor, told the committee he and others believe patrons use a torn fence to enter residential property and have seen what they described as zoning and safety problems.
At the same hearing, several neighbors — including Susan Guerrero and Laura Allen — described the bar as a long-standing neighborhood business that communicates event schedules, staffs parking for large events and otherwise acts as a responsible local operator. Guerrero told the committee she has followed the business on Facebook, and Allen said she has observed staff clean sidewalks and assist neighbors with parking during heavily attended events.
Committee members asked licensing staff and police about the fence ownership and whether citations had been issued for noise. Chair Alderperson Jocasta Samaripa and committee members pressed city staff about the circumstances when callers refuse to give names, noting that anonymous complaints limit MPD’s ability to issue citations. Lucchini said the business has not been cited and that police have not found violations during licensed premise checks.
After committee discussion the panel approved the renewal with no formal disciplinary action; Alderpersons moved and recorded the approval.
The committee’s action is a recommendation; in license matters that typically proceed to the Common Council when required. Neighbors and the business were urged to continue work with the district alderman and licensing staff to monitor noise and property-boundary issues going forward.
