Dear ALRC,

My wife and I own two properties on the 600 block of Knickerbocker St.  We heard about the ALRC vote on the Freiburg Gastropub that is being built on Monroe St around the corner from Knickerbocker.  I believe the vote was to 'place on file' which means you will come back to the proposal.

What we are for:

- we hope the owners can create a great restaurant that will be a good addition to the neighborhood.

What we acknowledge: 

- we acknowledge that selling German food without being able to buy beer is a nonstarter.

- we acknowledge that traffic will be come even more of an issue than it already is.  

- we acknowledge that Pasqual's ( now Colectivo) was very near that location (they sold liquor) and we lived with the traffic.  That is the price of having good little restaurants in the 'hood.

What we are against:

- an outdoor patio that would diminish the quality of life for folks in the 'hood wanting to enjoy their back yards

On balance, we think a good restaurant needs to be able to sell beer and wine.  We are in favor of the owners getting a license, but please do NOT okay the siting of the patio on the back of the restaurant.

Best,

Jon Dahl

629 & 627 Knickerbocker St.

Madison, WI

608.251.0001