Dear Mayor Soglin and Members of the Common Council,

I am writing to voice my opposition to the proposed Olbrich biergarten. I am very concerned about the precedent this project sets. By approving this project we are saying that alcohol belongs in our parks, our very limited open green spaces. The very nature of our park system is to promote opportunities for the Community to experience the natural world and to be able to enjoy open spaces that are not otherwise available.

I ask that as you make your decision tonight that you consider the purpose of our parks, were these spaces set aside with future business development in mind? Were they set aside because there are not enough spaces for alcohol to be consumed? Does the value of the opportunity to consume a beer and watch a sunset outweigh the opportunity to enjoy a tranquil sunset surrounded by nature?

Please vote against this project and protect our Parks from this, and future opportunities to value alcohol over accessible green space.

Respectfully,

Jenn Jackson