The city counsel should really rethink this decision. What are they holding out for? Something bigger and better to come along and whisk the old Basics building off it's feet? A running business is better than a vacant, idle building. Just because some senile, negative old man stated that someone would die if a bar was built there, the city counsel denied this? Good ole' Janesville is getting to be a city full of negative, downer people. No wonder businesses don't want to come here. News Flash: This isn't Mayberry anymore, my god, grow up a little.

P.S. Griz - As usual, nice post.

MADEINTHEUSA it's called supply and demand. If the market in Janesville didn't demand the products and services they woudn't be around. You seem to be of the opinion that people that enjoy an ancoholic beverage with other activities are below you. Well sorry, but if there wasn't a large amount of people demanding and purchasing these products and frequenting the establishments they woudn't be around.

The residents in the area of the bar made their phone calls, showed up in front of the Council, and they don't want it. We already have alcohol in every nook and cranny of the city; you can publicly drink on any of the golf courses, you can drink just outside of the bars downtown on their sidewalk cafes, we can buy alcohol in almost all of our convenience stores, and there's how many bars in Janesville already? Why do we need another bar in a residential area? We don't. If you NEED to drink and play volleyball do it in your backyard. Janesville is not anti-business, it is now thankfully gearing towards smart business.

Stu-your driving down Milton Ave, headed to the subdivision by the old Basics that they want to put a bar in. That means your just an average guy. Nothing superior or elite about you or your "status" that you claim to have. It's pretty obvious your living in a fantasy world, you have made that pretty obvious. How sad.

And you walk and drive alone

oh boy

I have no idea who the "joker" is. But to address your previous missive, wannabe, I am the way that I am because I walk through life implicitly aware of my superiority. I am reminded of it every day when I read the Janesville Gazette, or when I drive down Milton Ave behind some moron in a truck with a Matt Kenseth/Dale Earnhardt sticker on it.

"Success in janesville is akin to receiving a "b" in remedial math."

Unfortunately, I've never lived in Janesville nor have my 31 years of success ever even been in the State of Wisconsin - But hey Stu, nice try.

I agree winer, but some people have to make themselves out to be better then others when they have insecurities

Stu...did you formerly operate under the username TheJoker?? You are remarkably alike in your arrogance and attitudes toward those with whom you disagree. There cant possibly be two of you in the same town. Am I right people?

StuCazzo for some people right now $8.00 an hour part time is a blessing with this economy. You are one of those not in my back yard people just as not your child person.

gmforlife-can you clarify what this comment means-"equality twards all people". I understand the rest of your posts except for that part.

Ah, yes. Success in janesville is akin to receiving a "b" in remedial math. This is a basic bar, nothing more. Max creation of what, 3 part time jobs that pay less than walmart? No thanks. The editorial in the paper was painful to read, not only because it was written poorly, but also by someone who clearly doesn't understand economics.

does conservative mean letting entrepreneurs test the free market to create a business or grumps who stomp down a new bar because it MIGHT keep them up past 9, draw different people to their neighborhood, CREATE JOBS, etc.

Stu-Who's Kris? I've had my own successful business for 31 years, . . .trust me, you have nothing to offer that I haven't already had or would ever be envious of. Age and wisdom are two pretty obvious things you have not yet acquired. You're not difficult to "analyze" because it doesn't take an Ivy League education to see just how inexperienced you are. You can't fool people who have already been there and done that. Take my word Stu, get ticked off and insult me all you want, but the truth of the matter is that people who are successful and happy don't act like you. And the more you talk the more transparent you are.

the building the houses slicks has been a bar, for many,many years. it was first called barrys bar, it was never a store. the store was across the street. a vacant lot now.

Slicks used to be The Rockport Inn....A BAR

Hannah, Dearie, I'd engage you, but you wouldn't get it. I'm wondering if you've been "touched by the angels".

I happen to help people who do not have insurance, medical or prescription, who are losing their homes, cars and many are homeless...I am thinking that $8.00 an hour would seem pretty nice to them right now...I am in fact of Native-American decent not Nigerian (even if i were, I would be proud of it) Who cares if Matt owns another business...I applaud him for trying new ventures...I do not know him but will have to take a trip out to Snuffy's and shake his hand...You just prove to everyone that ivy league schools may produce book-smart people but they have got to do a better job of teaching humility...None of which I believe you have or have ever had...Still makes me wonder what happened to you in your life that makes you so bitter and mean...Shame on you...

Wow Kris, envious much? The truth is I cashed out at 30 because I could. I don't really have to work, but I choose to, and work hard. But go ahead, be my guest and continue to "analyze" me. It's amusing. Like watching a baby horse try valiantly to rise to his feet for the first time.

So. . .the first company failed. You sold the 2nd company. Both companies were internet related, and have no company names to verify that what your saying is even true, and you now work for someone else because you were either unable or unwilling to continue running your "own" business. Hmmmmm. Do you think maybe the reason you're not in business for yourself today is because you're not real good at running one on your own? Or would it be because people don't like you? Or was it just too darn stressful? Just curious.

Nice try, kawisixer, but it means "balls". Urban dictionary, eh? Now if you spoke Italian, you might understand it better. I suspect I may be the only person in the glorious, cultural powerhouse that is the City of Janesville that speaks Italian. What you may be reaching for is the word, "finochio".

Perhaps your stucazzo might be a little misshapen from all that time spent on your crotch rocket, no?

Oh boy....

STUCAZZO: Man who performs fallatio on other men. short form: stu.
source: urban dictionary
"http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Stucazzo"

wait a sec; doesn't Mr.Dewitt already have a job? As the owner of Snuffy's Still? And JVLDSS, watch your mouth. Didn't your SSI case-worker warn you about outbursts like that?

An Ivy League idiot is still an idiot!

Ah, another weak-sauce attempt at an insult. Well, the first company, a failure founded in 1995, was a regional ISP. The second company, ultimately sold, was another Internet endeavor. I'll refrain from more specific details for now, because you never know who you are talking to here on the forum. For all I know, Mushmouth, you may be some sort of nigerian scammer.

There is a good editorial on this subject in today's paper and the negative message this sends to real estate investors, small business owners and, in this case, an ex-GM worker trying to find himself a new career. Those three councilmen need to see the big picture and stop micromanaging the city.

Stu sounds like TheJokers younger, smarter, brother.

Ok smart guy..I am very proud to say that I am infact a client of the place I work for....That was a good one...I would call you the winner, but that would mean something positive...

Stu - Can you tell us the names of the two companies you once "owned?"

"Actually, that caused such a giggle a spit some coffee on my monitor and caused my assistant to poke her head in my office to see what was so funny."

So, your Mom came downstairs to her basement, poked her head into your bedroom and told you to keep it down?

Please vote and voice your opinion on this issue as well as moving the council meeting to an earlier starting time at www.YuriRashkin.blogspot.com. Thank you.

Oh well, you had me laughing so hard I made an error of my own!

Mushmouth,

Are you sure you aren't perhaps a client of the organization/company you work for? I particularly enjoyed your not so correct use of the word fetor, when you most likely meant fetid. Fetor describes an unpleasant odor. Are you saying that my mind smells odd?

I find it somewhat ironic, based on your diction and amateur psychoanalysis of me, that you'd call me uneducated.

I particularly enjoy your ham-handed attempt to paint me as some sort of outcast "who has no friends". Actually, that caused such a giggle a spit some coffee on my monitor and caused my assistant to poke her head in my office to see what was so funny.

Seriously, dude, talking to you is like teaching a dog math. You can point out the obvious for hours, yet, it is an effort wasted because the recipient lacks the intellectual horsepower to grasp the concepts.

Anyone have a pair of waders I can borrow?

Thanks Donkeykong, I appreciate the compliment, and your tacit understanding that I, am in fact, superior to most of you posting here. After all, I do have an Ivy League education. That, combined with my street smarts does make me a rather intimidating opponent.

That said, yes, I have owned two small businesses, one of which received substantial venture capital from Chicago and New York, and the other, which ultimately failed.

Of course, both of those were accomplished before I turned 30.
That said, Darling DonkeySchlong, I don't require a dictionary to supplement my vocabulary, as you so ineptly tried to imply. Its ok though, not everyone can be me and possess my wealth of life experience and education. So I understand your jealousy and propensity to feel as if you are somehow, less of a person in my presence.

Lastly, I hear Blackhawk Technical College might be able to help you with some of your glaringly obvious cognitive difficulties.

And yes i spelled no (know) wrong...Haha beat you to it...

Another thing...I work with the mentally disabled and I am disgusted that you would bring anything like the Special Olympics up...You have a fetor mind and should be ashamed of yourself...But i guess you have to have a sound mind to really care anyways...

Name calling is so mature...Creating jobs...interesting you should say that because it WOULD create some jobs...There are people who would take this type of job to support their families...How dare you judge what type of place this would be...I would rather hang out in a mediocre beer joint than spend 1 second in your presence...you sound very un-educated and if you are educated, I would ask for my money back from whatever excuse of a school you went to...I will bet that if this were your idea, You would pull every string possible to get it up and running...I have one question for you...How does it feel to be so lonley?? It must be difficult knowing that the only interaction you get is from these blogs...I will say that thought we all have our own opinions, you are the most arrogant, desperate person I have never wanted to meet in my life...You have know idea how this place could turn out...Your burning the candle without lighting the wick...As for the name, what is the problem with that?? I hope the next time they vote on something like this, the whole council will be there...If they dont show up for meetings, then they shouldnt have ran for the council in the first place...Thats the whole point isn't it??

Hey Stu - Just out of curiosity, do you know what it's like to be a small business owner? Have you ever owned your own business?

Perhaps two or three more pay-day loan shops in that area would be just the ticket - tongue planted firmly in cheek.
Regardless of which side of the fence one stands on, regarding the approving of another bar-type business start-up here in Janesville, I take away from this saga that if you want to start a business in Janesville, the people, the Council, the local government, the various committees, and probably the State (fees ad nauseam), and god knows who else, will apparently micro manage the process until you get a nose bleed.
Makes one wonder how anyone can get a business up and running; especially in this economy.

Bob Keith
- humble and obedient citizen -

I can't figure out what marge is saying either. But, then, I am a very, very old person.

I am not your "dear" anything.

Dear Marge,

Unfortunately your post lacked insight or any measure coherence. Income for life? What are you talking about? Are you trying to get us to send you money so you can have those Nigerian funds released?

But if you want to have a great downtown spot we will move heaven and earth--pathetic! Let them give it a try without all the relics who have incomes for life(there pensions from g.m )anyone tying to start a business in this town has my respect. (can't wait till all us younger people are foreclosed on and all you "home owners " pick up the tax bill--enjoy your "town")

Hey Mushmouth, is your outrage directed toward the process? Or simply because you feel we really need another mediocre beer joint with a particularly insipid name? Janesville desperately needs economic development that will substantially increase the tax base and create good paying jobs, not some rinky-dink special olympics type of beer hall. It is disingenous to even assert that this joint would create jobs. McDonalds pays better and health insurance is available.

Oops.....it should read this way: A good neighbor doesn't party all day, every day till after 2:00 AM and then allow his "high spirited friends" loose into his neighborhood where the neighbors are sound asleep.

I'm reading the article and yes, it is written for sensationalism. However, what really gets me is this good neighbor stuff. A good neighbor doesn't party all day, every day till after 2:00 PM and then allow his "high spirited friends" loose into his neighborhood where the neighbors are sound asleep. Gosh, I'd bet the cops would be called and the activity would be stopped ASAP.

Yuri Rashkin, admits that because the police have no problem, he doesn't and he serves on the ALAC. Who needs him sitting on this committee then? His reasoning astounds me considering he holds an elected position on the City Council and should't blur the boundaries between ALAC and the City Council.
.
Perrotto admits the residents have legitimate issues.....but he OK's it anyway. He also sits on the ALAC. The residents should call him if there is a problem. Why not invite the residents to ride around his neighborhood and knock at his door at 2:00 AM on their way to third shift after a sleepless night?

Voskuil just likes the idea and doesn't consider the residents at all because she was in on the Planning Commission and they decided to make a few concessions to quiet the residents.

What kind of reasoning is this? Should they be holding multiple positions? Actually, the property is zoned light business and not commercial as is reported in other articles in the Gazette.

Ah, yes. I know, sometimes I act superior, simply because I am; at least I'm honest and know how to wield an honest-to-God semi-colon.

Really, where's the story here? Neighbors, who actually live in this area, didn't want a bar. The City Council listened to those concerns. I think neighbors would be ok with it if:

A. No volleyball. The biggest issue is having drunk folks caterwauling about in a drunken, boorish fashion.

B. Woodman Rd. is a Raceway, with one intersection right near the bar lacking a stop sign. If perhaps some sort of traffic calming feature were added to Woodman Road, and another stop sign, this might have been a go...along with no volleyball.

C. The operator didn't have a record of drinking and driving, and smoking dope.

These are the main issues with the bar. And if anyone heard the entire statement Mr. Schuler articulated, it was about serving as a firefighter or paramedic, and working at drunk driving accident scenes. And he was talking about the danger that it could bring to Woodman Rd in its current state without a stop sign. Of course, newspapers tend to extract the most inflammatory portions of statements and use them for effect.

In any case, come back with a proposal without the volleyball courts and some traffic calming/control measures. I'd bet no one would oppose it then.

jviers77: So now it comes down to commenting on someone's user name? As if jviers77 is somehow "Braver." It's a user name and really insignificant to the discussion. I could call myself 6'5" 300lbs who's going to shut me up, but that's rather immature. I'd personally take an empty building over a bar near my home. Obviously the neighbors in the area felt the same way. As long as the city doesn't allow it to turn into a drug house, what's it going to hurt? It's funny how those who don't have to live near this think it's OK; to heck with anyone else as long as I have a new place to drink.

Yes my spelling was bad very bad. Thank You

So the city say YE go ahead and open your bar. The a few people complain that a bar is going in there. Where were these people and their fears before the council approved the permit?? Whay after the fact are they acting. Bobbleheads has volleyball and they are in Janesville!!!!! Most of the bars in janesville are in residential neighboorhoods. Hmmm Wish-e-washy

This is a horrible decision by the Council and should be reconsidered by that body. First of all, they could have met the request with a 'probationary' approval to be reviewed in 6 months or a year. It does not speak very highly of Janesville citizens to question whether this business would work here when it works in so many other communities. The City Council should encourage this type of physical activity, not pose contrived barriers.

Oh. My. God.
We're all gonna die!
I just realized it!
Mr. Schuler, will you hold me?

StuCazzo - If I lived in Janesville and had no job. . .damn right I'd work for this place for $8.00, with or WITHOUT benefits!! Unlike you, I'm not too proud to actually WORK, as opposed to taking taxpayer money by sitting on my ass at home and collecting unemployment!! Just because $8.00 bucks isn't enough for you doesn't mean it isn't enough for someone else!

Stu, how typical. You know you're backed into a corner and you have nothing further to add to the debate, so you point out a spelling error instead.

One more comment for Richard Schuler:

Just as likely as someone dying in your neighborhood due to the presence of this bar is someone dying in your neighborhood because of the absence of this bar. Example: your neighbor decides to drink at this place and walk home instead of driving to Tazbags, and lives. Without the bar he drives to Tazbags, and dies on the way home.

I cannot begin to understand the state of fear that Richard lives in, and I'm a gay, black man living in Janesville.

DanBallsac,

Janesville is a city? That's funny. If you are going to reference the City Council, at least try and spell "counsil" correctly.

People should really read the entire article, and not just the headline, before making a post. Additionally, attending/watching the meeting where they discussed this issue would help as well. To all the posters who are complaining about the council not wanting this, that is actually untrue. They think it is a fine business, just not in this residential neighborhood. There are numerous other locations, on Milton Ave. even, where this concept could work. I realize you all have the right to complain away on here, and it is an easy thing to do, however, instead of all this complaining, why don’t you spend some time coming up with a better solution?

I feel bad for the people trying to start something fun for this city. It will probably be a little noisey, but so are ball games at the park and milton av. traffic. I live on the otherside of milton av. and hear the screeching tires and cars all night. Janesville is a city. If you want peace and quiet move to the country. As far as the "not another bar" complaint. This is not a hole in the wall tavern. You can go and play volleyball and have a good time with friends and not drink. The counsil needs to get a clue and pull their heads out.

I guess it's better to let a building sit empty, generating no revenue, then to let someone with an idea (a good one at that) take a stab at making some money. Several area towns have bars with volleyball courts and seem to do just fine. I feel sorry though for Mr. DeWitt because even if it gets approved the second time around, he's going to be at odds with the neighborhood. People like Mr. Schuler are going to cause problems for him, worse than the patrons of the bar. Mr. DeWitt should take his business venture elsewhere. People will follow.

Actually I am not a friend of Matts and do not know him...Sounds like you know him and this is personal...So many enemies, not enough friends...Maybe you could go to the bar and meet some...(I doubt that anyone would want a negative friend like you)You probably would cross-reference names and such which only goes to show you need to GET A LIFE...

Unidentified (really brave, by the way)...how will a nice bar and grill with volleyball courts bring down property values in the area when that half of the building is sitting empty and looking like a dive? Just because you don't like it doesn't mean it's a bad idea.

Hey mushmouth,

Obviously you are a buddy of matt's. That's ok. A multi-cultural LBGT nite club would be awesome. Good idea! Go ahead and get a bunch of people from outside the neighborhood to come and speak and pretend they are neighbors. I'll have the voter lists with me and will cross reference names and addresses. That should be fun!

The opposition sounds like a bunch of stodgy old farts who don't want to see any change in their neighborhood. Heaven forbid a black person show up to the bar for a drink. The location may not be ideal, but how many other offers have come along to lease that space? Janesville has a boatload of unoccupied properties and nobody willing to take a shot at starting something new in the old buildings. This is just Janesville sending another message that new ideas aren't welcome here.

Janesville- another bar? Nah.. Besides whats so different about this bar? Pizza, beer, volleyball..?... Same old, same old. We have enough in/around the area.

I hope someone else opens a multi-cultural gay/lesbian club at that locations then...Would that change your mind about the bar?? I bet it would..I hope they go Christmas caroling in your area in drag...That would be fun...You know what fun is right?? Obviously not

StuCazzo...So you are admitting you are one of the neighbors then (guess i called that one huh??)...Ok, I will bring about 50 people to the next meeting and we will just say we are neighbors...Tit for Tat...Get a life then we will talk

Good one Black and Gay...

Wow Stu, do you have a crystal ball? All this article states is that, "The bar would have been 3,000 square feet and would have offered food, including homemade pizza."

Apparently you not only know all about the homemade pizza, but also what they'll have on tap, what type of music will be played and that it will be a "sports bar".

Do you also have a blueprint for the layout? Where will the TVs be positioned? Have you selected a playlist of country music for the jukebox yet?

AndrewJackson, you said it perfectly. Bye Bye Janesville. Off to spend money in a town that actually has something fun to offer.

There's a great place on the north side of Beloit called Hog Cabin that has excellent volleyball courts with leagues scheduled during the summer. Super owners with friendly bartenders. No neighbors. Bye, Bye Janesville!

Culturally, I'd be surprised to see someone named "Black and Gay" at a nascar/packers beer joint swilling MGD.

Dear black and Gay,

Holy crap! You are Black and Gay? And you live in Janesville? Are you insane?

Come to think of it, what Janesville really needs is a huge influx of LGBT folks to turn around the downtown. It has so much potential, and the real estate is dirt cheap. Imagine the shops, restaurants and creative spaces the city would have then!

OMG, we're all going to die!

Dear Richard Schuler:

My neighbors have a grill. Grills have fire in them. I've seen what fires do. It's a bomb waiting to go off. Somebody's going to die.

really, "juststoppingby"?

Sportsbar, tv's, surely bud light and Miller light on tap, perhaps even country music on a juke box? How is this different than any other place? Oh, that's right, the volleyball.

Well, 7 neighbors spoke against it this time. If there is a next time, I'll make sure we have at least 30.

StuCazzo, you don't seem to get it. How do you think this would be "another generic beer joint"? From the sound of it, the proposal was just the opposite.

At this point, I would say Janesville needs to throw the dice and at least make an attempt to get something going. These people were trying to do just that, and I only hope they will try again. It's people like you who will keep Janesville on the unfortunate track it's on.

Well Merschma,

I would hope the city council would give more weight to the opinion of the neighbors, rather than those that would drive across town to have fun at another generic beer joint.

Very, very unfortunate. I'm not saying that Janesville "needs" another bar, but it sure would be nice to have some variety.

StuCazzo...How do you know how the pizza would be made?...They wouldnt state it as homemade if it wasnt...Its not laughable about this situation because its NOT FUNNY...These people found a great location to open a new and different place where people WHO LIKE TO HAVE FUN can go and were turned down...I did like the comment on how the council is now listening to what the community has to say...I wonder if one of these "neighbors" has any ties with the city?? Maybe a relative or friends?? Why do you care anyways StuCazzo?? Are you one of the "neighbors"? I hope they find a place, open it, and have the BEST HOMEMADE PIZZA IN TOWN!!! Your negativity must be coming from somewhere?? Hmmm...Let me assume where that is coming from...no different than you assuming that they wouldnt have homemade pizza...

Starbuck1 - I almost fell out of my chair at work yesterday when I read that same statement in the Gazette yesterday. What a hoot!

Again people, contact your councilmember. They made the decision because of the few who spoke against it. How many spoke for it? If you are in favor of it, make your voice heard!

What a shame this got turned down. Janesville is in dire need of establishments like this one. Young people who are having fun in their town during their free time want to continue living and, more importantly, working in their town.

Here in Milwaukee, volleyball and kickball leagues attract hundreds of young professionals. These same professionals turn around and spend their money all over town. If you want to keep that money flowing in Janesville, then you need to have a town that entertains those people and makes them want to stick around.

I left years ago because there are just no other options for entertainment in that city – when sitting on a bar stool at Legend’s all night is your only option, it’s time to go.

Mershcma,

I doubt it. I truly do. A Janesville bar making "homemade" pizza? That's laughable.

Neighbors didn't want it. There's plenty of other locations where it'd be a nice fit.

Well just think if they raise the beer tax and allow this bar to open and have a FUN plan they would have more tax money to put in the ice arena. Again whether big gov. or small local gov. they dictate!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Time to just say enough and vote for the ones that don't make 2 sided promises and then lock their vote button to NO NO NO

I guess I just don't get it. People complain that there's nothing original or different in this town. Unique, non-chain restaurants have also attempted to establish themselves here only to have nobody frequent them. Those same people instead go to Applebees for a dinner out, but then complain there isn't anything else. If you don't support something different or spend money there, they will not survive. Yes this is a bar we're talking about, but this is just the usual direction things go in this community. Lighten up people and think out of the box for a second.

LMFAO

""I know what alcohol does, I've seen it," said Richard Schuler, 1126 Woodman Road. "I don't want to see this in my neighborhood. It's just a bomb waiting to go off. It will happen, and somebody's going to die.""

Must be old folks that live in that area that should be in old folks homes by now

A perfect example why Janesville will never grow to be anything but a broken down Autotown

I happen to know Kim very well and I feel really bad for her and her partner...She has been an excellent bartender and friend and was really excited to get this business venture going...Its too bad that they were not even given the chance to prove the neighbors and council wrong...Maybe we should make a law that makes the whole town close at 8:00 p.m. Maybe this would take care of the "backyard shenanagins", crime, loud cars ect...Give them a chance to prove everyone wrong...And for the record, some people would love to make $8.00 and hour with no benefits...Yes, it would be nice to have the extra perks, but its better than nothing at all...Quit judging the "drinkers" or just move to Utah or something...What a bunch of prudes...Thanks to those who voted in favor of this. I hope this works out for them and they prove all of you Debbie Downers wrong...It just goes to show that some people have dreams and go for it---others just have dreams and take it out on those who have the determination to go after them...BTW her pizza would rock and she makes the best BLT's in town...

OK folks, it is time to get rid of these idiots on the city coiuncil. They are only looking out for their own interests. They do NOT care about getting Janesville to grow or to prosper!!! I can't wait for the next election. I think Briarmoon would even do a better job than these morons!

Oh boy..... Another bar with big screen televisions airing nothing but sports, some goofy country "music" on the jukebox, and a conglomeration of legally intoxicated patrons driving home after last call.
Only thing to set it apart from the rest would be a tattered net strung over a pile of sand, littered with cigarette butts, rotting pizza crusts, and plastic cups.

I'm not speaking only for the bar, if you read the post the bar is simply the latest in a history of a very few getting their way fighting something that many would have enjoyed or benefited from. The use of the bar example was to re-enforce the point. The point being that the bantering of a few always seems to rule out the common good. Whether it be the proposed traffic education center from Blackhawk tech out at the airport that would have been a very good thing utilized by multiple organizations in the region, to the very nice ATV/motocross track that was chased out of the same area by the exact same people. There are example after example that can be followed through recent history. The cell phone companies had to propose three or four different locations to finally get a tower installed on the east side. I can bet you money that every person that opposed the tower "in their back yard" makes use of a cell phone every day. It's a bit hypocritical after awhile. The same people living in that area area the same people that bought land or houses along the interstate, taking advantage of low property value becuase of noise, and then expect the govt. to pay for and erect noise barriers.

kawasixer,

Stifling growth and opportunity by saying "No, not another vacuous and mediocre sports bar?" How so? Did you want to work there for 8.00/hr? Or do you really need another generic nascarnflpackersbrewcrew place to pull up on your motorcycle, drink too much, and then drive home?

I can't help but find it rather amusing that statements like "This bar would have brought jobs to Janesville" are just as over-the-top as "Someone's gonna die!". Jobs? What kind of jobs? $8.00/hr part time jobs without health insurance? sick days? vacation time? Yeah, that's what Janesville needs right now.

In addition, yet another lame sports bar would do nothing to attract further economic development and would probably serve to further depress property values in the immediate area.

I applaud the City Council for actually listening to the neighbors. You know, the best thing that has come out of this is a grassroots movement in the neighborhood to form a Neighborhood Association. This is a very good thing.

Dewitt's plan really wasn't interesting or novel in any way. Other than the volley ball courts, this could be any bar in the city. Homemade pizza? With what, a toaster oven? Gimme a break. I doubt a real pizza oven was included in the plan.

Just really, it is extremely insulting to any reasonably intelligent person to even suggest that this place would have had any positive economic impact anywhere else but in the owner's pocket; at the expense of the neighborhood.

Even the proposed name was cringe-worthy and uninspired.

What a joke. The old codger "not in my backyard" crews have prevailed again. It's sickening to see it over and over again in this city. It's stiffling growth and opportunity. They've been doing it since they chased Hendricks out of town and it continues today. I really hope the proprieters can find another location that's suitable to the lame duck city council. There are other locations I think would work well, although I believe these guys wanted a quiet neighborhood setting so their business could have the "neighborhood bar" feel of the neighborhood bars in all the older neighborhoods of Madison, Milwaukee, ect. They most likely picked that location hoping it would be off the beaten path enough to keep riff raff out. Possibly they could partner with Blackbridge bowl as they seem to have alot of unused space. I have always though the old metal building to the west of Target that appears empty could be a good location for a nighclub/bar type deal as well. It's rather unfortunate enough that these guys, I'm sure, investing a good chunk of change just getting things to this point, and then getting shot down despite having the OK of the police and advisory comittee.

I would not be happy with a bar like the old Slick's or Spanky's in my back yard, but it seemed like these guys had a good plan and intended to be good neighbors. The "somebody's gonna die" comment is just over the top. But ultimately locating a new, possibly noisy business next to a quiet residential district is something that would be tricky to get by in any event. Hopefully the owners will regroup and find a better location (I know, those don't come easy, but it's a recession and there are vacant storefronts).

I live behind a bar that happens to be full most days and nights. I have never had a problem with traffic, noise, intoxicated patrons, etc. The bar is also by a park which I happen to have more issues with the people visiting the park. Must be nice for the city to pick and choose who it lets open a business. I bet the people that complained are also the ones that complain there isnt anything to do in Lamesville.

Bobble Heads Biff.

Someone is going to die? Good grief. Getting biffed in the head with a volleyball MIGHT leave the patron with a goose egg, not a dirt a nap!

this city is an absolute joke.

I don't think the "It's never been done here before" excuse holds any water. Doesn't that bar on the south side of town on HWY 51 have volleyball courts in the back? I can't think of the name of it but it's the last business on the east side of the HWY just before the Pheasant Farm right next to the Welcome To Janesville sign.

I think if they would have included a hockey rink in their business plan the city would have paid them to go into business.

I remember a couple of years ago when Trading Spaces bar downtown was allowed to open next to a teenage driving school forcing them to move. The city council was not concerned then. One of the council members who voted no voted yes for Trading Spaces back then. I guess it is all about who you are!

There is no shortage of bars in the area people. I think those who want to find a place to get beer will be just fine. There are free sand volley ball courts right down by Palmer Park. Another bar wasn't going to do anything other than drag property values down for the surrounding homes. I don't think this is Janesville holding back on progress, I think is Janesville finally thinking about the long term results of a bar in a residential neighborhood with outdoor entertainment. Common sense finally ruled the day.

Kill Joys!

What happened is a few vocal minority were heard. If poeple are in support of this, contact your councilperson, and let them know! They only hear the people who DONT want it..

same old story,dont give the people a chance from janesville. just give them a bunch of negatives. if this was a chain operation, it would have passed in a heartbeat or a another downtown bar. take a ride downtown main st on the weekend, between 11pm and 2am. you can see first hand, what the true meaning of noise and disorderly conduct is. the council dont seem to care about the seniors that live on main st.,but they sure are worried about an isolated bar. it shows me where their priorities are and it isnt sure is not downtown, where it should be.

What I don't get is the mentality that since it hasn't been done here before, we can't try it now.

Well, it's been done ELSEWHERE!

I'm not saying that they should have been allowed to open this place as planned....just saying that the council REALLY needs to pull its collective head out and come up with a better reason to say no.

great another vacant building that can sit empty in that neighborhood - sure looks like the downtown is creeping its way up Milton Ave -Fast.

Oh boo hoo. Another De Witt with a record has a problem opening a bar. Look up Matt, or Todd and Craig De Witt in Monroe County. These apples didn't fall too far from the tree...

I live near this proposed site and the traffic problems are bad, people go flying through these residential streets and uncontrolled intersections. The speeding coming off from Milton Ave through this area is unbelievable. I dont mind a bar and love the thought of the volleyball courts and would probably patronize a place like that, however I would like the police to take care of the traffic and speeding problems we already have in this area before we go adding to it.

When is this town going to step out of the dark ages??

Sheesh, lighten up Janesburg! God forbid anyone should have a few beers AND get some exercise at the same time! We have bars with volleyball courts here in Fort Wayne and it's great! They have organized leagues, they're focused and people really love it! Didn't Back O'the Yards have organized softball leagues right behind thier bar at one time? How is the volleyball thing any different? It's better than having patrons slumped on a bar stool getting sloshed all day with nothing to do but get into a fight out in the parking lot at night! Why not give people something fun, physical, and constructive to do?

Forward Janesville should change their number to 1-800-DEAD-END.
Way to drive away another good concept. As a former Janesville resident I live right across the street from one of those
"dreaded Volleyball bars" In Kimberly,Wi (Appleton) along with a bowling alley and a skating rink plus the middle school is in my back yard. Guess what? IT'S GREAT !!!! No problems at all. Maybe the State of wisc could close the ramps on I-90 put up a higher wall & let Janesville waste away? How about a shufflebaord bar so all the old people can play & be in bed by 8pm? Keep fighting Kim & Matt.

I hate to say, but I live in that area. I would have welcomed that business, but I think it is another case of the Not In My Backyard thing.
Run right it could be a good neighbor, but all the residents of this city can seem to see is negatives...seems to be the way of life here.

"somebody's going to die" Huh?
"the location is near ... baseball fields" No, baseball moving to the Sports Complex, go out and look.
"Both the city's Alcohol License Advisory Committee and the plan commission gave the venture positive recommendations." OK
"the police had no concerns about the venture" OK.
Sooo.... What the heck is going on here?

I understand the concerns of residents in the area, but I really think there wouldnt be any major problems. Consider the fact that Janesville's infamous "circuit" is only hundreds of yards from the property in question, I highly doubt that this proposed business would generate more noise or problems in general then the cruising crowd. I also believe there is an adequate buffer surrounding the property to "absorb" any noise. Many cities have existed with "neighborhood" pubs for many years, with no major problems, Sheboygan for example has them, and they co exist without problems.

I agree. Just try to build something in Janesville that's not a fast food joint. Janesville is so lacking of culture that it is pathetic. Let's just choke off ANY new business or developement and watch Janesville suffer some more.

I beleieve it it were my business I would take it to a very close neighboring city and only hire people from that locality. Let the "good" people of Janesville remain unemployed.

Typical Janesville