Committee approves Dee's Elegance tavern license after owner pledges neighborhood fixes

The Licenses Committee approved a Class B tavern license on a renewal/application for Dee's Elegance at 7420 West Villard Avenue after the applicant described plans to address neighborhood concerns.

Lawrence Terry Jr., who said he has lived in Milwaukee since 1975 and has been involved with the bar over the past 12 years, told the committee he planned "upgrading certain things, more lighting" and increased cleanup efforts. "I was open to, like, any of the neighbors that had anything or ideas… I was pretty much open to try to talk to them about it," he said.

Alderman Mark Chambers reported he had met with Terry and discussed neighborhood expectations, and he moved approval. Chambers told the committee the business "has been around for a long time" and that Terry had agreed to take steps to address litter and be in regular contact with neighbors. With no objections from committee members, Chair Jocasta Sanaripa ordered approval and wished the applicant luck.

The committee record shows no neighbors testified on the item and Sgt. Guadalupe Velasquez reported there was no police report attached for this application. The licensing division noted holds for occupancy and health inspection were present in the file. The committee's action was recorded as approval without written conditions beyond the applicant's stated commitments.