FM20080722-Letter
City of Muskego
Finance Committee
Brick House Liquor License
July 22, 2008
Honorable Mayor Johnson and Committee members,
I must protest the renewal of the liquor license for the Brick House in the most strenuous
terms. I have received more citizen complaints about noise, mostly loud music, and also
closing time motorcycle races from the Brick House than from any other establishment
within my district. I have several bars and industrial companies in my district and most
are willing to work with the surrounding community as good neighbors.
The Brick House, however, has not. After repeated phone calls last year from citizens, I
first had a police officer stop by and discuss the noise with the owner during the day time
hours. That failed, so Captain La Tour and I had a meeting with the owner at the Police
Station. Again that yielded little results. Finally, a citation was issued.
Lest the committee think that these complaints are from one neighbor, calls to my house
come from homes up to several blocks away on Muskego Drive, Martin Drive and as far
away as Shagbark Drive. Many of these calls come from those awakened by the “closing
time drag race.”
This is not a case of “living next to a bar, what did you expect.” For many years the
establishment, under a different ownership, was indeed a good neighbor. The new
ownership has encouraged a different clientele – which, in turn, has led to these
problems.
The yearly renewal of these licenses offers the city the only way to “get the attention” of
agents and owners who do not respect their role as neighbors. I urge you to use this
opportunity to serve the surrounding neighbors and not approve the renewal of the
license.
Neil Borgman
Alderman-City of Muskego Third District