Community rallies to build a playground for all

Coach Ben Lake and members of the St. Catherine's boys soccer team carry a walkway Saturday during construction of the new playground at Lockwood Park in Racine.

To get the whole story about the new playground that's going up in Lockwood Park, you have to go back to a conversation between Ben Lake and Aron Wisneski over a year ago.

Lake's 7-year-old son has cerebal palsy and uses a walker to get around. It's not much of an obstacle for him - until he gets to playgrounds covered in woodchips and sand. While most kids can just walk or run over the soft surfaces, anyone who uses wheelchairs or walkers struggles to move around.

During a fortuitous trip to northern Wisconsin, Lake stumbled across an alternative. He was actually snowmobiling past a school and saw a playground sitting on top of a bright-colored surface. He stopped to investigate and found what's known as a "boundless" playground with a rubberized surface that's soft for kids to play on, but also easy to cross.

Lake brought the idea back to Racine and found a receptive ear in Wisneski, whose district includes Lockwood Park. Lake lives just a few blocks away.

Volunteers getting ready to put a walkway into place.

The plan was to create a playground that's fully accessible to people with disabilities - and anyone else who may be limited in movement. For example, grandparents who wants to play with their grandchildren, but don't want to walk up steps or across sand to do it.

Members of the St. Cat's boys soccer team carry a slide across the work site on Saturday.

Wisneski took the idea through city government and secured money for the project, which replaces some out-dated, and frankly unsafe, equipment that had been in Lockwood Park. Wisneski said the old playground equipment was one of the biggest complaints he heard from his constituents.

The playground took shape Saturday with the help of more than 105 volunteers who gathered in the park to place poles, attach walkways and railings, add slides, tic-tac-toe boards and even bongo drums. Work started at 8:30 a.m. and continued into Saturday evening.

Professional playground builders from Minnesota Wisconsin Playground, based in Golden Valley, Minn., led construction while Wisneski oversaw the project. The result was an impressive structure that will be a great addition to the park.

The playground around 2 p.m.

Work should be done within two weeks. The professional builders will be back out Sunday pouring concrete to secure the poles and then will return next week to build a concrete curb and pour the rubberized surface into place around the playground equipment.

Among the volunteers were players on Lake's girls and boys soccer teams at St. Catherine's High School. The girls actually started work on the project last year when they took wheelchairs, walkers and other tools for the disabled and studied an existing local playground to understand what was needed to build a fully accessible playground. (For example, girls pushed each other in wheelchairs across sand or tried to navigate the playground's layout with limited vision.)

The boys team then worked most of Saturday (the girls worked in the morning) building the playground. Lake said community service was an important part of playing soccer at St. Cat's.

"When you sign up for the sport, you're signing up for community service," he said.

Leaving the playground project, I stopped Wisneski and shook his hand. "You're doing a great thing here," I said.

"We're doing a great thing here," Wisneski answered, pointing at the volunteers who had worked eight-straight hours at that point, and probably had a couple more to go. "We're all doing this together."

Alderman Aron Wisneski works on the new playground in Lockwood Park.

A slideshow of pictures from Saturday's work on the Lockwood Park playground:

Under the big top, normal cares are forgotten

It's a different world, under the big top. Your normal cares are forgotten and -- regardless of your age -- you are transported into a world of sequins, pretty girls, fearless and muscled aerialists, colorful clowns and kitsch.

The circus has changed since you were a child. There are no lions or tigers, for example. And I've already whined about the elephants sitting out the erection of the tent itself. There's also just one ring, whereas in the old days circuses sometimes had five with performers carrying on simultaneously. If not five, certainly three. In truth, you missed a lot in those days.

Well, those multiple stages have given way -- thanks to the economy, and also a shortage of fields big enough for a really big top -- to one ring. But let me say this: Carson and Barnes fills that ring with wholesome excitement and spectacle. For two full hours, children and adults alike could do nothing but oooh and ahhhh -- or Booo! at the Master of Ceremonies in support of the clowns. The horses and ponies performed flawlessly, the aerialists missed just one catch -- only one! The contortionist pulled himself completely through a tennis racquet. The three hula hoop dancers started with just one hoop, and finished up twirling more than 20 simultaneously -- each.

From the seats, you probably couldn't tell who was who. Carson and Barnes travels, for eight months of the year, with about 120 people, but 20-some are the children of performers. Some of the kids have small parts in the performance -- the youngest, a five-year-old girl, just marches in the parade in a frilly costume. Others take performance lessons, along with their regular schoolwork overseen by a full-time teacher. That leaves 100 adults -- perhaps 40 from Mexico, most of the other performers from South America -- many of whom also set up and take down the big tent, work the midway and perform. An aerialist, for example, has one role on the Wheel of Destiny, another on the trapeze and yet another as the high-wire motorcyclist. Different costumes, and the speed of the show, and you'd never know it was the same performer.

Not that it matters. The details are subsumed by the overall spectacle. How'd they do that? is the operative question, not Who is that? Not that you have much time to question. One act is quickly followed by another; there are no commercial breaks during the circus, unless you count a few minutes to sell peanuts or coloring books, and a 15-minute intermission for the kids to ride an elephant or pony, or get their face painted. Funny thing: With all those youngsters present, I didn't hear a single kid cry or misbehave. Circuses are like that.

Performances continue Saturday at Pershing Park, at 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Be sure to go here to download free admission tickets.

City looks to make North Beach more accessible

The city's Parks Department hopes to build a handicap-accessible path like this across North Beach next year to make it easier for people to reach the water. A sample of the path - this one manufactured by Mobi-Mat, was laid out on the beach this week for people to try out.


It'll be a lot easier to cross North Beach next summer if the city's Parks and Recreation Department gets its way.

The department is requesting money to build a portable walkway across the beach to allow people in wheelchairs to reach the water. The handicap-accessible vinyl path, used on beaches around the country, also would help parents with strollers, children, the elderly and anyone else enjoy the beach, said Donnie Snow, head of the parks department.

"Even people without disabilities will be able to get out to the beaches easier," Snow said.

A sample of the walkway (see photos above and below) was laid out on North Beach this week. The path created a clear path on top of the sand to walk on. If money comes through, the city would install a full 600-foot path from the North Beach Oasis to near the water's edge, Snow said. It would also consider a "T" intersection close to the water to allow people to spread out along the beach.

The path has already received support form the public. During this week's parks meeting, Snow distributed nine letters he received in support of the path. Many of the letters were from parents who enjoy using the beach, but often struggle to walk with their children from the parking lot to the water.

The main obstacle to installing the walkway - it simply lays on top of the sand and is staked into the ground - is the cost. Snow plans to budget $40,000 for the path in this year's capital budget. He admitted given the economy and the city's budget challenges it may be difficult to find the money. But he intends to try, because it would be another improvement to North Beach, one of the city's best resources.

Another view of the temporary mat laid out on North Beach this week.

This photo from the Mobi-Mat website shows a "T" intersection using the company's temporary mats. Racine is considering a smilar layout for North Beach.

90th Street Expansion paves way for new Mount Pleasant municipal building

By Heather Asiyanbi

In order for Mount Pleasant to get busy on its new municipal campus just northeast of Highway 20 and 90th Street, the latter avenue has to be expanded.

According to both Village Administrator Mike Andreasen and Engineer Jeff Sykes of Crispell Snyder, the $1 million road project, while a separate project, is the first step to developing the 90th Street property for the municipal campus.

Because the road is located within a tax incremental financing district (TID), those special funds are available to fund the cost.

The goal is to eventually connect 90th street so it runs continuously from Spring Street to Highway KR, though that depends on getting right-of-way from Heartland Village at the north end of the street. Heartland Village is the developer of a community of Arts & Crafts style homes along Old Spring Street near Highway H. 90th Street currently ends a few hundred feet north of Highway 20.

"This is a major north-south arterial," Sykes pointed out. "It could serve as a nice alternative to taking Highway 31, which can be very congested at certain times of the day, or Highway H as it runs through the Renaissance Business Park."

Infrastructure like water, stormwater, sewer - anything that involves a service pipe - is expected to complete by mid-November. The goal is to have at least a gravel road in by winter for access to the new village hall site. Construction on that new building is expected to begin in the spring with possibly completion by the end of 2010 or very early in 2011. The current village hall property at the corner of Highways 11 and 31 is for sale.

Sturtevant's indoor soccer complex to open by the end of the year

By Heather Asiyanbi

Kids of all ages who love to play soccer soon won't have to put up with weather dictating when they can play. A new soccer complex featuring 2 indoor fields, an outdoor field, banquet space, locker rooms and all the necessary amenities is set to open by the end of the year, in time for the back half of the 2009-2010 indoor soccer season.

Fernando Bahena and Budd Busceni are partners in the new Sportplex LLC, set to break ground on Monday. Construction is slated to complete by the end of the year with landscaping commencing in the spring. Total cost for the project, including the land, is $5.7 million.

Boasting 94,000 square feet, Sportplex is designed to welcome soccer leagues for both youth and adults. One of the soccer fields is also suitable for indoor lacrosse, a sport in demand in the region, much to the surprise of both Bahena and Busceni. Another surprise was the need for space to play futsal, a faster version of soccer that is played on hardwood with a ball that doesn't bounce.

"We were surprised when our market research indicated a need for this," Busceni said. "The wood court can also be used for volleyball leagues and basketball as well."

The only major design change, said Greg Thompson, CEO of BCI Group, contractors for the complex, is the possible expansion for a complimentary tenant. 14,000 square feet had been originally set aside for a physical therapy or a sports training practice, but has since been changed until Sportplex can secure a commitment.

"We've left the design open for possible expansion in the future," Thompson confirmed.

Initially, Sportplex is expected to generate a mix of between nine and 12 full- and part-timejobs. Busceni said more positions will need to be filled as the business expands; everything from managers for the sports and banquet sides of the complex, waitstaff, maintenance, food service and others.

Bahena and Busceni hope to have commitments from leagues sometime this fall, for both indoor and outdoor play. They are also interested in forming partnerships with community organizations to provide athletic opportunities for everyone from students in Racine Unified schools to day camp for kids during the summer and more.

"This is a great location because of our proximity to Milwaukee and the northern suburbs of Chicago," Busceni said. "But we really want to be a good neighbor to those around us and work with groups from across the region."

Cruise-in draws the cars ... and the banter

The three 70+year-old Fords sat side-by-side in the McDonald's parking lot -- roadster, coupe, Woody -- while their owners sat behind in picnic chairs, trash-talking.

The cars almost were secondary as Ron Kraus of Rochester, Ed Gutsch of Franksville, and Jim Joannon of Franksville (l-r), traded quips and insults, and answered questions about their beautiful cars. In red shirt is Greg Brackett of Waterford.

Kraus, owner of the red A roadster, insisted, looking at Gutsch's blue-and-white coupe, "A's rule; '32's drool." The only reason coupes are popular at car shows, Kraus said, is "so you can stand on the roof and look at A's."

Gutsch would only admit that he ordered his missing fenders in '33... and is still waiting for them. He said, "I got the car I built in high school," to which Joannon replied, "And he still can't get it to run."

Ah, and then there was Joannon's Woody -- what Kraus called, "The dead tree express... the world's fastest ice fishing shanty." Joannon just smiled. "Some people like the cars, some the bad-mouthing," he said.

And so it went, four friends enjoying themselves, their cars and especially the good-natured banter. Brackett, whose '51 pickup was parked in another aisle, was the quietest of the four. Asked why, he said, "Because I don't lie."

It's hard to tell what to believe when these guys -- and the hundreds of other car owners get together at these informal car shows -- well, cruise-in is the more correct nomenclature. There's no competition, no effort required except to show up (with a stunning car). They each just drive up and hang out, and talk about parts, engine modifications and the like. And, of course, they help each other out.

Kraus, who's owned his roadster for 12 years -- "everything's been done to it" -- says the transformation was accomplished "with a lot of help from my friends... old guys with nothing to do." His engine is a 454, "overbored," so it's really a 460. That translates to 570 horsepower driving a 2,400-lb. car. Is it fast? Well, under the hood, the words "You'd lose" are painted in big yellow print on a checkered flat.

As you might expect, this is a man's world. Kraus explained why his wife wasn't along: "Well, there was this time she was with me, and a young guy in a Camaro challenged me at a stop light... I got the cold shoulder all through dinner."

I had to ask: But did you take him? "Of course!" Well, then, it was all worthwhile! Another point in Kraus' favor: he drives his car a lot. "I'm just back from Louisville, Kentucky," he said, "where there were 12,000 street rods." And he drove his car there. "This ain't no trailer queen," he said -- my kinda classic car owner!

There's a cruise-in every night of the week in southeastern Wisconsin. Thursday nights are reserved for the Mt. Pleasant McDonald's at 6630 Washington Ave., where a wide variety arrives all summer through mid-September, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This week's event spilled over into the Stein Garden Center parking lot as well as onto Sunnyslope -- some 200 cars by my count, with a pulsing Elvis soundtrack for added ambience. Fords and Chevys dominate, but there was a gorgeous green '51 DeSoto, Corvettes, a Porsche, a Nash or two, some great pick-up trucks, original T'birds, a Corvair, a 'Cuda ("much rarer than the Barracuda," I was informed by its owner), a purple Gremlin, a Viper (with a "Will work for gas" sign in the engine compartment), even a '37 Chevy Darley fire engine!

Other cruise-ins are: Saturdays in East Troy; Tuesdays at Culvers in Milwaukee; Wednesdays at the Solid Gold Mcdonald's in Milwaukee and Fridays at Hardees in Milwaukee.

Mixed breed mystery, but Suzie's a sweetie

Meet Suzie, a mixed breed sweetie. It's hard to tell for sure, but there may be some Rat Terrier in her background, and perhaps some Italian Greyhound. What do you see?

Suzie is a quiet dog who is a bit timid at first but warms up quickly. She enjoys just being with people. She is not shy about begging for your attention. Suzie's color is a rich golden tan and white. She has a long narrow face, thin but muscular legs, and tiny feet.

She is available for adoption at the Countryside Humane Society, at 2706 Chicory Road, or call (262) 554-6699.

City Notes: Coe warned over public comments; Main St. club in 'doghouse'; Tousis readies proposal

Alderman Jeff Coe took the unusual step last month of making a statement during the City Council's public comment period criticizing how negotiations over City Administrator Tom Friedel's contract were handled. Coe alleged July 21 that he voted for the contract believing Friedel would make $85,000 per year, only to later find out the contract was for $95,000.

The response to Coe's statement? A four-page letter from the League of Municipalities explaining why it's against the law for aldermen to participate in the public comment period. Doing so amounts to a violation of the open meetings law, which requires council members notice items they wish to discuss at public meetings. By using the public comment period, Coe basically circumvented this requirement.

Coe had a number of alternative options he could have legally pursued. Writing a letter to the council members, publishing an editorial on RacinePost or in the JT, or simply putting the item on the agenda all would have been legal.

Nicholson in city's 'doghouse'

The structure on top of the building at 316 Main St. has to be removed or redesigned, according to the city.

Doug Nicholson's plans for his "Envi" night club at 316 Main St. hit a minor glitch when the Downtown Area Design Review Board denied his plans for a small square building on the roof of the building. Nicholson built the structure without city approval and failed to win committee support. He now needs to redesign or remove the structure, which he referred to as the "doghouse." The structure apparently would have provided rooftop access, though apparently there were no plans to have the roof as part of the club. The committee objected to the construction because it was visible from Main St.

Here's Nicholson's response to the issue:

I had building plans approved and stamped by the city that contained a doghouse on top of the roof. I didn't know it had to go to design review. My mistake, this is my first building that I own and I am new to all of this. I asked the guys who built it to check with the city, they said they did, when in fact they didn't. They then built the thing way oversized. So I went to design review, they said tear it down, move it, or hire a designer to make it look acceptable. So we are in the process of moving its local and redesigning it. my intention was never to get away with anything, as I have been in touch with the building department on a regular basis.

Tousis seeking 'Class B' license

Tom Tousis has yet to submit his plans to the city to build a grocery store, restaurant and gas station in West Racine. The local builder has been soliciting neighborhood support and says the response has been overwhelmingly favorable. His plans also include a bank and a permanent home for the West Racine Farmer's Market. (In response to comments, Tousis said he had no intention of shutting down the market. Actually, he intends to buy produce from local farmers to sell in the grocery store.)

Tousis also confirmed he's seeking a 'Class B' liquor license for the restaurant, which would allow him to have a bank of video slot machines on site. Tousis said he's considering having the machines; if he does, unlike some businesses, he intended to have them legally. Some businesses simply install the machines and take their chances that no one will force them to take them out, he said.

Look for the West Racine plans to be submitted to city development this month. That will kickoff the approval process for the proposal.

New steeple, windows for Janes School (age 152)

Sooner or later, you knew we'd get around to this:

Crews working at Janes Elementary School have replaced the steeple damaged by a lightning strike during a storm -- in 1981. Let's see... um, 28 years later.

But wait, there's more! Summer renovations at the state's first year-round elementary school also included replacement of 150 windows dating back to the school's construction in 1857 -- that's right, before the Civil War.

The steeple, roof, window and door replacement project were part of Racine Unified's $16.5 million maintenance referendum, approved in April 2008.

Hopefully, no more major repairs will be needed until 2161...

Bester forcefully denies Uptown restaurant will be a hip hop club

Gerald Bester's meandering path through city government to open his new restaurant in Uptown continued Wednesday with an appearance before the Plan Commission.

Bester needs a conditional-use permit to open his restaurant, "Gerald's," at 1501 Washington Ave. He made a brief appearance before the commission Wednesday and discussed his plans.

Bester, who has already secured a liquor license, intends to open an upscale restaurant with comedy acts on the weekend (Bester used to run a comedy club in Milwaukee and has ties to national comedians). The restaurant will have smokehouse theme that serves specialty meats, turkey, ribs, chicken and fish, along with sandwiches, appetizers and tacos.

He also said he'll work with local corporations to build relationships and hopefully attract people for lunches and dinners.

Bester forcefully denied the restaurant would turn into a hip hop club.

"I'll be a good neighbor in the this city and in the Uptown community," he said. "I'm well-versed about the previous problems in the area. I've done everything I know how to to get the message out that this won’t be that type of an establishment."

"I'm committed to making this part of the solution, not a problem for the city of Racine," he added.

During a public hearing on the conditional-use permit, Richard Kemper said the Uptown business associations supported Bester as long as he installed a full kitchen in the building. Kemper added he had concerns about Gerald's staying open late on the weekends.

"What we don’t need in our neighborhood is a lot of influx late at night," he said.

Lauren Konopka, of the High Riders Motorcycle Club, said the club supported Bester's application for a conditional-use permit.

"This man deserves his chance," she said.

Alderman Michael Shields agreed. He said Bester has made it clear he intends to open a restaurant and the city should give him the opportunity to enact those plans. He argued past incidents in the building are irrelevant to Bester, who had nothing to do with what happened five years ago.

That said, Shields said he also intended to hold Bester accountable to his plans.

"If Mr. Bester fails, believe me, I’ll be one of the first to say he needs to go," Shields said.

Following the public hearing, Plan Commission member Brent Oglesby said he supported Bester's plans. He said he was particularly interested in a restaurant staying open late because most sit-down places in Racine close relatively early.

Commission member Eric Marcus reminded the commission that it was simply voting on whether the restaurant was a good use of the land, not whether the restaurant itself was a good idea. It's a key distinction that factors out reviewing Bester's business plan.

"We’re not (determining) if this is a good restaurant," Marcus said. "(We're determining) if it is a good use of the land."

Bester was also asked about his plans for an outdoor patio on the second story of the building. He said it likely would be used as a smoking area once the state goes smoke free next year. It could also allow him to sell Canadian cigars.

The commission voted to defer action on the conditional-use permit until the Access Corridor Development Review Committee reviews the proposal at its meeting on Aug. 22.

Plan Commission delays action on incentives for building new homes

A proposal designed to encourage more city, county and Racine Unified employees to build homes in the city is being sent back to the drawing board for revisions.

Aldermen Aron Wisneski and Terry McCarthy had proposed giving employees tax breaks and free or reduced priced lots if they agree to build a new home in the city.

But McCarthy said during Wednesday's Plan Commission meeting that that tax component of the idea was legally unworkable. Under the law all properties in the city have to be treated the same, he explained.

The setback doesn't necessarily doom the program. The city can still give away land for new homes at reduced prices and McCarthy asked city staff to study other incentives they can offer people to build new homes.

McCarthy also said he was open to including more people - possibly anyone interested in moving to the city - in the incentive program, and expanding the program to include renovations along with new construction. Adding renovations to the program would be a major expansion. Right now the city only has has four or lots that would qualify for new construction, according to City Development Director Brian O'Connell.

Eric Marcus, a member of the Plan Commission, said he strongly supported opening up the program to more people.

"I'm a strong proponent of not limiting this to city, county and RUSD," Macus said. "Let's open it to anyone who wants this."

Plan Commission member Elaine Sutton Ekes said the city needed to consider the broader question of whether the program amounted to using public resources for private benefit.

The Plan Commission voted to defer action on the proposal. McCarthy said he and would Wisneski would continue working on the idea with city staff and hopefully work out a new proposal to bring back to the committee.

Paul Ryan to host African-American forum on Sept. 1

Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, will host an African American Community Issues Forum and listening session with Insider News Publisher Ken Lumpkin at the Flatiron Mall, 1661 Douglas Ave., on Tuesday, September 1st from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm.

Here's a description of the forum from Ryan:

The forum will provide a venue for discussing matters of federal concern to constituents, including those that have an impact on the area’s African American community. This gathering will also offer an opportunity to First District Residents to share their views on the health care reform and other important issues facing Congress.

“This forum offers a great chance for area residents and community leaders to gather together to voice concerns, share ideas, and get information on issues that affect the day-to-day lives of African Americans in southeastern Wisconsin,” Ryan said.

People who would like more information about this community issues forum can call Paul Ryan’s office via the toll-free constituent services hotline: 1-888-909-7926, or Ken Lumpkin at 262-632-9370.

Emerald ash borer found in Kenosha

Closer and closer the emerald ash borer comes.

On Monday, the Asian tree-killing bug was discovered in Kenosha, it was confirmed yesterday. If I were an ash tree in North Bay, I'd be trembling in my roots.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection reported:

One adult EAB beetle was discovered on a survey trap on the east side of the city of Kenosha on Monday, Aug. 10. The beetle was sent to federal identifiers on Tuesday, Aug. 11, and subsequently confirmed as EAB on Wednesday, Aug. 12. The beetle was discovered during a routine inspection of the trap.

Previously, the emerald ash borer has been discovered in five Wisconsin counties: Brown, Crawford, Ozaukee, Vernon and Washington. Quarantines currently exist in Crawford, Fond du Lac, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, Vernon and Washington counties, and are pending for Brown and Kenosha counties.

The Kenosha News reports today that" two ash tree saplings imported from an ash borer-quarantined area of Illinois were found to have ash borer larvae last fall," but those larvae were found at a time when there was no threat of their escaping. That discovery is believed unconnected to Monday's.

Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) is an invasive wood boring beetle that feeds on the tissues under the bark of ash trees (Fraxinus spp) and kills them. It is 100 percent fatal to native ash trees of any size, any age, healthy or unhealthy, according to research by Michigan State University and the US Forest Service. Wisconsin has more than 770 million ash trees, nearly 7 percent of the state's tree population, according to state officials. It is estimated that more than 50 million trees are dead or dying in the Midwest because of this infestation.

On its own, the beetle will fly only a few miles; however, it is transported to new areas when people inadvertently move emerald ash borer larvae inside of infested firewood, ash nursery stock, and other ash items.

The map below shows emerald ash borer detections in North America as of July 1. The areas outlined in blue -- including most of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio -- are under federal quarantine for emerald ash borer.

Our April 2008 story, about how North Bay is getting ready for the presumably inevitable arrival of the emerald ash borer, is HERE.

Kelli Stein to become the City Council's newest member

Kelli Stein is in line to become the newest member of the Racine City Council.

Stein, 31, was elected by council members to serve out the term of Tom Friedel, who resigned to become city administrator. Stein beat out seven applicants to represent the 10th District, which is located on Racine's south side.

Stein was the top vote-getter in all three rounds of voting and beat out Dennis Wiser in the final round 7-3. (Ten aldermen were present to vote; four did not attend.)

Stein's nomination likely will become official Tuesday when the City Council meets to ratify her selection. In theory the council could change its mind and vote for another candidate, but that's unlikely given Wednesday night's outcome.

Stein works as a desktop analyst for Wheaton-Franciscan Healthcare in Racine. She's married and lives at 2325 Gilson St. She's an active member of Young Professionals of Racine and is a Leadership Racine graduate. She also serves on the city's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Board.

The eight applicants for the open seat included: Stein, Wiser, David Martin, Donald Dwyer, Thomas Gursky, Geraldine Larson, Melissa Lindgren and Curtis Lockrem.

A ninth applicant, Jamie Anderson, did not live in the district and had no intention of moving to the district.

The council's vote came after the candidates answered nine questions over about 90 minutes. Council members then voted three times. The first two rounds they cast two votes and the final round they cast one.

Stein won the first round with six votes followed by Wiser and Martin with four each, Dwyer and Gursky with two each and zero votes for the other three candidates. (Two aldermen only cast one vote on their ballots, leading to two "under" votes.)

Stein then won the second round with nine votes followed by Wiser with six and Martin with five. Stein then won the final vote over Wiser.

Sitting in the audience as the results were read, Stein looked shocked to have emerged as the winner. "I was genuinely surprised and honored to be selected," she said.

After the council's decision was clear, aldermen took turns shaking her hand with congratulations. The results came so swiftly it took Stein about a half hour to call her husband with the results.

Stein said she applied for the seat because she believed you have to "put up or shut up."

"When the opportunity arises to do something, you have to do it," she said.

Stein said she plans to run for election to a full two-year term in April.

For a minute-by-minute recap of Wednesday night's meeting, click the link below.



5:34 p.m.

The candidates are here, but two aldermen are missing. They’re over at a Parks and Rec Board meeting, but should be here in five minutes.

5:38 p.m.

The council chambers are setup with eight applicants seated at desks usually reserved for the City Council. But the aldermen are pushed to one side for the night to make room for their potential future colleagues. So far we’re missing Ron Hart, Jim Spangenberg, Aron Wisneski, Terry McCarthy, Bob Mozol and David Maack.

5:40 p.m.

Wisneski and McCarthy are here, and now were minutes away.

5:42 p.m.

And a few more minutes.

5:43 p.m.

Wisneski was late to the meeting because the Parks and Rec Board had an interesting debate over whether women should be allowed to play in a men’s softball league. The city doesn’t offer a women’s league, so a woman joined a men’s team. Seven weeks into the season a few men tried to get the woman kicked out. The board didn’t take action, but is looking to set a policy that clearly states women can play on a men's team.

5:44 p.m.

And we’re off. Ten of the 14 sitting aldermen are in attendance. Ron Hart, Jim Spangenberg, Bob Mozol and David Maack asked to be excused, and it is so noted.

5:46 p.m.

Shakoor, the City Council president, asks the committee to defer action on three agenda items not related to appointing the 10th District alderman. One item was a succession plan if the mayor is forced to resign, and the other was to create three-year, instead of two-year, terms for aldermen.They'll take up the issues at a later date.

5:48 p.m.

Eight of the nine applicants are here. Not sure who didn’t show up. (Late found out it was Jamie Anderson, who didn't actually live in the district.) Shakoor reviews the rules about time limits and voting, which will be done in three rounds.

5:50 p.m.

Shakoor says they’ll try to make a decision tonight. If the council is deadlocked, it may take longer.

5:50 p.m.

Opening statements are underway. Donald Dwyer (who Shakoor referred to as Dryer for most of hte night) is first up. He’s lived in the district his whole life and feels he has something to offer.

5:51 p.m.

Thomas Gursky Jr. has lived in the district the last 10 years. He works as a bailiff for the courts. Interested in representing the district because the district needs a strong voice. He’ll confront people with different opinions.

(Note: My notes from here on out are a bit choppy, so don't expect decent grammer or even sensical sentences.)

5:52 p.m.

Dennis Wiser is up. 30 years as a teacher and led the REA for six years. Intensely involved with teacher issues, School Board issues, involved with – seen a dramatic change in how the association functions; still on the School Board. Feels he has something to ffer

5:53 p.m.

Melissa Lindgren is up. She’s buying a home in the district and has an extensive background in customer relations. She enjoys helping people solve issues.

5:54 p.m.

Stein says her heart goes to community involvement. New set of eyes on the council will be beneficial to Racine.

5:55 p.m.

David Martin is up. He’s interested in being an aldermen when he started doing work with manufacturing companies in the area. He has two small children and a third on the way; he's interested in the city for their benefit

5:56 p.m.

Geraldine Larson owns a business, runs it on many levels, works with cstoerm. She feels she can bring wisdom and a level-head to the council.

5:57 p.m.

Curtis Lockrem has been in Racine since 1945. Lived on Drexel Ave. since 1966. Racine is a very important part of his family’s life.

5:57 p.m.

Now we’re on to the questions. Helding cracks that there’s almost as many candidates as there are voters. His question: How long have you been a resident? Why do you want to be an alderman?

5:58 p.m.

Gursky is up. He loves the district and wants to serve.

Wiser – about 30 years, pursing the job, talents and experienced and interest you should get involved. I would like to bring the same contributions to the city of Racine because the city of Racine has been good to me.

Lindgren – lived in the 10th district my entire life. Help take care of the community, plan for the future of the community, four children and one more on the way. Want my children to grow up, hope they have job stability

Stein – Resident of the district for eight years, running for aldermen; if you’re going to stand and complain, you’re just as much a part of the problem as the problem itself. you’ve got to step up and do something about it.

Martin – lived in the 10th District for 10 years. Property owner for six years. Decided to put my nae in the ring because of the work I do with the industrial sector, private sector of the city. Make sure the public sector is working with the private sector to push things forward.

Larson has lived in the district much of her life and she hopes to bring positive change

Lockrem – believes people should serve. Prior experience is with church and other schools. Look forward to the opportunity to serve the city

Dwyer, 23, was born and reasied in the city. Played on the playground, my childhood. fresh face unaffected by other parties at this point in my life; run countryside for the past 3 ½ years. Want to get back to the community I was raised in.

6:03 p.m.

Wisneski's question (which actually came from a list handed out to the council): What is a major issue facing the city? What is a major issue facing the district?

Wiser says mult-generational poverty is an issue for the city. Difficult to get peopleon the right track; high birth rates, unemployment – key to changing city. comfortable place – more and more houses standing empty, owners are gone, nobody living in them. Hope that can be dealt with in an effective fasion.

Lindgren – Smaller businesses are being forced to close their door becase uof the economy. Affecting our businesses, as well. People losing jobs with health insurace. Feel that’s something to keep jobs in Racine

Stein – Be a broken record. Economy of Racine is where a lot of problems come from. Manufacturing has disappeared, not much coming back in, exasperates it. overall feeling in the city – reflected in the houses for sale;

Martin – City of Racine suffers from a bit of complacency and a bit of a reactionary nature. Good enough, sit here to wait it out; hard to get in front of the curve; build infrastructure to the interstate. We have to plan further in advance. We have to demand a higher level of accountability. Districtwise, the 10th district is a nice neighborhood, like a lot of places, hosues are vacant. Schools are slightly overcrowded, busing patterns are convouated,

Larson – Poverty is not financial, it’s a frame of mind. I’ve seen a lot of people go for it and make strides in their life. Crime is an area of importance in the city. Police patrolling more in District 10, citizens don’t feel its under control. Traffic issues. Unemployment and crime is what I would attack first.

Lockrem – Major problem is the job market. Losing homes, having torelocate. Until we can improve that,it’s going to be extremely difficult to bring in other employers.

Dwyer – grandparents lost their jobs, neighbors around him lost their jobs. Don’t want to see it sliding further than before. A lot of residential – traffic issues near West Blvd and Highway 11. Constituent issues.

Gursky – Despair, disappointment, helplessness. City needs hope. Average person is not seeing anything happen in their life personally. What we need is more of the stimulus money to help our distrct. What are the people getting fro this? The people need some hope. Why can’t we give more back to our people.

6:13 p.m.

Weidner gets in some snark by introducing her questions as "the question prepared for me to ask is about how previous work will help with the job."

Lindgren goes first. Work as 911 dispatcher helps her deal with all types of people and filter out important information. Took over as a bank manager, was working in the bank during an attempted robbery. Scary experience – maybe people need help, maybe he lost his job. That scary experience led me to my next job as an insurance agent. I can definitely listen. I can definitely help.

Stein works at Wheaton-Franciscan Health Care. She’s a desktop analyst – tech support. I’ve had a lot of interaction with people frustrated, dealing with people and their personalities. Involved with YPR,

Martin talked about living in Eau Claire and working for a large company in Milwaukee. Both experiences gave him experience for the aldermen’s job. Completed the Leadershipo Racine course, worked through college,

Larson is up. She cites her business experience as an example of “doing what it takes.” Learned in business. People who are aldermen want to sit and do nothing. I couldn’t disagree more. As a business owner I know how to problem solve, produce what they want, really good at research. Mechanical design engineer for 22 years – I can find a solution.

Lockrem cites his background in manufacturing management positions. Much of his job was evaluating processes and analyzing problems.

Dwyer notes he’s young, so he doesn’t have a lot of work experience. He says working at Countryside shows him the best and worst people, which will help him deal with constituents. He’s also starting a nonprofit.

Gursky said his leadership skills blossomed when he was 12 years old and he signed up for Boy Scouts. He worked at Western Publishing until it closed, worked at a temp position that turned into a supervisor’s position. He said this shows dedication and organizing skills.

Wiser is up. Had direct contact with 3,000 students and 3,000 feelings, so he feels he knows the community and the community knows him. Working with REA, he signed the first ever four-year contract. “I’m not afraid to take on difficult issues and I don’t leave unitl the job is done.“ Serving on Racine Unified gives him experience in local government and worked on major board. “I have a pretty good clue about what I’m getting myself into,” he said.

Shields asks about the city’s economy and what needs to be done.

Stein goes first and says Racine needs to take advantage of its location between Chicago and Milwaukee and its lake to spur development.

Martin is up. He says the roll of the council is to be encouraging and make sure the guidelines and rules don’t get in the way of companies coming to the city. The council should also look out for bad businesses with poor business plans.

Larson says the whole world in crisis, Racine included. “We do not need middle-class people worrying about how they’re going to feed their families,” she said. She also talked about losing jobs to China and the need to bring jobs back.

Lockrem said what the city can continue to do is expand water and sewer westward so there’s more areas of development along the interstate. “This seems to be a booming area,” he said. The city should encourage service companies to relocate to the city.

Dwyer said the great lake will help with tourism. He also wants incentives for existing businesses and for new businesses.

Gursky wants to build a water park and hopes to workwith the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Boys and Girls Clubs for children. He also wants more time on infrastructure.

Wiser said Racine has a lot of resources for companies. Land and workers are available and the city should do what it can, in a fiscally responsible manner, to attract businesses.

Lindgren talked about the Workforce Development Center and getting word out about it to the community. This will help people get jobs.

6:30 p.m.

Alderman Coe asks what will be done to keep the district clean, safe and attractive.

Martin said it comes down to simple pride. He picks up garbage from kids walking to school, and believes other people should, too. He advocates being neighborly and keeping events like the National Night Out going.

Larson said she’d talk to apartment building owners about problem areas in the district. She said parents don’t feel like schools are being patrolled. She would like crime cleaned up in the district.

Lockrem says a lot can be done with Neighborhood Watch. He also mentioned community pride and knowing your neighbors.

Dwyer said he would focus on re-establishing a sense of community in the district. He wants a neighborhood litter clean-up day and would focus on educating residents about what they can do.

Gursky says sometimes you have to treat adults like children without letting them know they’re treating them like children. It’s a real skill, he says. He recommends a citywide competition on cleaning up the district. He wants to give out certificates to reward people.

Wiser says the vast majority of the district want a clean, safe district, but they don’t know where to take their issues. No. 1 thing he can do as alderman is to know they can call or visit him to get help with their issue, being it call the police, health department or other district.

Lindgren says the whole district needs to come together with a family ethic. It would be a wonderful thing, she said.

Stein says she rides her bike through the district she feels safe. The majority of the district is homeowners, and she would focus on rental property owners to make sure they keep up their buildings and monitor their tenants.

Kaplan asks: What contribution would you make to the 10th District? And to the city as a whole?

Larson says she wouldn’t have a private life. She also believes in being on time and, citing her black belts, being disciplined.

Lockrem said communicating with the district would be his No. 1 priority. He also said he was a team player.

Dwyer said he contributes a lot to the district already. He would serve on the council to learn and share the perspective of younger candidates.

Gursky said his hard work earned the respect of his co-workers over 29 years. “I can do the 10th District, I can make them proud,” he said.

Wiser cited his REA background as proof of his listening skills. He also said you can’t always wait for people to bring their problems, especially when you know problems exist. He’d work for complete solutions.

Lindgren said she would bring compassion and understanding to the district. She said she has four children, which has taught her how to listen.

Stein said she can talk to anybody at any time about anything, which wuld help on the district level. On the city level she’d try to work outside the box.

Martin cites his sales experience. He said it comes down to solving problems clients have instead of pushing products on them. Martin said not living in Racine his whole life gives him perspective.

Anderson asks what they like most about the district and the city.

Lockrem said he likes the south side of Racine, where he’s been raised. The 10th District has a lot of good people and is a well-kept area. He cited Downtown, North Beach, Kids Cove and the Zoo as examples of good things in town.

Dwyer said he likes the people who live near him, the parks and said it’s beautiful. He says Racine has a lot to offer, which a lot of people don’t appreciate.

Gursky said he can’t picture himself on the north side. The south side has new development and the mall. It’s also quiet. Citywide he said his Dad was a zookeeper and he spent a lot of time there growing up. He wants to take a lot of the safety on the south side and move them to the north side. He wants to settle everybody down and make them feel comfortable.

Wiser said he grew up in Fort Atkinson where he was safe, comfortable and nice people wherever he went. He said he moved to the south side because it felt like where he grew up. His favorite part of Racine is the close connections among residents.

Lindgren said she feels safe to let her children play in the district. She likes Racine’s prom along with everything else good in the city.

Stein said she feels safe walking and biking around the district. She likes in Racine how she knows so many people and it has a “Midwestern feel” that is unique in the city.

Martin said he moved to the district to be close to family. He loves Racine because it’s close to world-class metropolitan areas. There’s lots of opportunity to live in a small city while connecting to larger areas.

Larson says she loves the district. People in the district are “the backbone of the community.” The industrial park employs many people and that’s a benefit to the city.

Alderman Ray DeHahn asks, What do you look at for the future of Racine?

(At this point, everyone is pretty much fried. But the applicants soldier through.)

Gursky answered by I missed what he said.

Larson says you can’t have a “yes man.” We’re not here to be friends, but we can be friendly.

Dwyer said as soon as the economy responds, the city will want to return to 10 years ago.

Wiser cracked the joke of the night with the line, “I spent most of my lifeworking with ninth-graders, so this would be enjoyable.”

Stein said it was hard to picture Racine in 20 years. She hopes there will be different thinking that brings in new business, like green companies, or attracts tourists.

Martin said he’s hopeful about Racine Unified’s future and the city renovating its manufacturing base with new development.

Lockrem said the big challenge is getting through the economic downturn. It’s going to be a tremendous burden.

Closing Statements

Lockrem says he’s hopeful, but will work with whoever is elected

Dwyer asks the council to overlook his age

Gursky called on all of the candidates to stay involved.

Wiser said he came by accident, but stayed by choice. He’s not afraid to deal with diffcult issues, will work to resolve problems

Lindgren said the night has been a wonderful experience.

Stein points out a few months back 11 people wanted to be mayor, and now eight people want the “unglamorous” job of alderman. She offered to help whoever is selected.

Martin said he moved out of the city when he turned 18 with no intention of returning. Seven years later he returned by choice and now he works in Racine and is immensely interested in keeping the city sustainable.

Larson thanks the aldermen for being at the meeting and complimented them on their questions. She said she will work hard and give it her all.

7:39 p.m.

OK, we’re done with the talking and now it’s time to vote. Shields says to the seven people who aren’t picked to consider running for the seat.

7:40 p.m.

Shakoor accidently calls Alderman Weidner “Candidate Weidner,” which draws a few chuckles. Shakoor responds a few minutes later, “We’re always candidates.” Weidner reminds the person selected that they’ll be up for re-election in a few months and also encouragedthe others to stay involved.

7:41 p.m.

Kaplan points out the candidates didn’t have to gather signatures in the cold and rain. He asks the applicants not to get discouraged. Alderman DeHahn thanks the candidates.

7:42 p.m.

The candidates now move to the public side of the chamber while the council votes.They'd been sitting in the aldermen's desks to answer questions.

7:43 p.m.

Shakoor points out that you need six votes to get elected. The aldermen are now voting for the first and second choice.

7:45 p.m.

The mysterious ninth candidate is explained. They don’t live in the district and have no intention of moving there.

7:46 p.m.

They’re now counting up the ballots and Shakoor just said there will be three rounds.

7:51 p.m.

Dave Martin, Kelli Stein and Dennis Wiser advance to the second ballot.

Here’s the total:

Dwyer – 2

Gursky – 2

Martin – 4

Stein – 6

Wiser – 4

Larson, Lockrem and Lindgren received zero votes.

Only eighteen votes were cast out of 20 possible votes.

7:55 p.m.

Wiser and Stein advance to the final ballot.

Here’s the total:

Stein 9

Wiser 6

Martin 5

This time all 20 votes were cast.

7:58 p.m.

Kelli Stein is the new 10th District alderperson on a 7 to 3 vote. Actually, it's just a recommendation at this point. But it's a strong recommendation and it's likely Stein will join the council on Tuesday.

The cartoon @ RacinePost.com

Our most recent story about this issue is HERE

City of Racine looks to get into the software business

The city of Racine may be getting into the software business.

Paul Ancona, director of information systems, hopes to sell the city's time management computer program to the city of Wauwatosa for $48,000 with an annual $8,000 tech support contract. The program was written by employees contracted by the city.

Ancona presented his plan to the Finance and Personnel Committee on Monday. He said the sale has a good chance because Wauwatosa budgeted $50,000 for the new software, but the closest bid from private contractors was $90,000. "It looks like it could work out," Ancona said.

Alderman Mike Shields asked about the support agreement and whether it would take away from the city. Ancona said it wouldn't. A separate phone line would be established for Wauwatosa and any extra work would be absorbed by the contractors who provide technical support for the city.

The agreement includes $8,000 up front for support, plus a billing rate of $80 per hour. The city pays $70 per hour for support, Ancona said.

Following the meeting, Ancona said Wauwatosa's interest suggests potential for additional sales. The city is sending an employee to a trade conference to gauge interest in Racine's program, he said.

Committee Note

Alderman Terry McCarthy is joining the Finance and Personnel Committee. He replaces former committee Chairman Tom Friedel, who left to first become mayor and then city administrator. Alderman Jim Spangenberg is chairman of the committee and City Council President Q.A. Shakoor II will be vice chairman. Aldermen Bob Anderson and Michael Shields also serve on the powerful committee, which reviews all spending proposals in the city.

Local girls take part in 'Adventure Sail'

Girls Inc. at the YWCA, the Racine Yacht Club and the National Women’s Sailing Association hosted the 10th annual Adventure Sail for local girls. Below is a slideshow of photos from the event:



Photos by Marie Block

Horlick tennis courts are open for business

Horlick tennis team alumni and current Lakeshore League assistant director Mike Brinen won the first game ever played on the newly rebuilt courts at Horlick High School on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. The new courts are open for the public and are now the nicest public courts in the Racine area.

Thanks to Mark Pelton for sending in the photo.

OOHP seeks Snowdance scripts for 2010

The Sixth Street Theatre's Over Our Head Players are seeking submissions for the “2010 Snowdance 10 Minute Comedy Festival.”

“Snowdance” is open to original, unpublished 10-minute or shorter comedies for the stage. Deadline for submissions is Nov. 1. Entries may be sent to Snowdance, c/o Sixth Street Theatre, 318 Sixth Street, Racine, Wisconsin, 53403.

Winning entries will be performed by the OOHP Snowdance ensemble at Sixth Street Theatre in February 2010. At each performance, audience members can vote for their favorite comedy; the audience favorites will earn cash prizes for the playwright: $300 to "Best in Snow," and $100 to second and third place.

Rules for the Snowdance Comedy Competition, which is open to everyone without age or geographic restriction, are relatively simple: The competition is open to unpublished, 10 minute or shorter comedies free of royalty and copyright restrictions; musicals, adaptations, and translations are not eligible. One entry per playwright, postmarked by Nov. 1. The writer’s name, address, phone number, and e-mail address should be on the title page only. The title page should also include a cast list and a one- to three- sentence synopsis of the play. Plays can have a cast of one to five characters; plays should be easily staged, avoiding elaborate set requirements. Manuscripts should be typed and securely bound. Two copies should be submitted.

Complete rules are also available on the theatre website. Questions can be directed to Rich Smith via the box office, at (262)632-6802, or by e-mail. Scripts will not be returned.

OOHP will present Snowdance from Jan. 29 - Feb. 28, 2010. OOHP Artistic Director Rich Smith leads the Snowdance ensemble.

Chicago Tribune targets Racine

The JT fought off a circulation challenge by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, but now it appears the Chicago Tribune is eying Racine for new subscriptions.

The Tribune is offering cut-rate prices on its subscriptions, starting at 99 cents a week for the Sunday paper. For a penny more, $1 a week, you can get home delivery on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. A daily subscription is $2.75 a week.

The JS has abandoned its Racine County coverage and given its recent bloodbath of layoffs - 92 in one shot - it's unlikely they'll ever return to Racine for coverage. The Tribune push likely will meet a similar result, simply because the Chicago paper never writes about our community (they occasionally write about Kenosha).

The JT's prices are competitive. They're offering five weeks of daily papers for $7, or $13.75 per month of daily papers. You can get 13 weeks of Wednesday and Sunday papers for $26.

Interested in a newspaper?

Get the Chicago Tribune here.
Get The JT here.

'John's Dock' to open in former Sandpiper's

Look for a "more affordable, more fun" restaurant and bar is opening in the former Sandpiper's at 303 Dodge St.

The owners of John's Dock received a liquor license Monday night contingent on passing health inspections and submitting a menu to the Public Safety and Licensing Committee. The committee voted unanimously in favor of the license.

Owner John Durk hopes to open by Sept. 1. He described the restaurant as a place where a couple can get sandwiches and a couple of drinks for $20. "We're not going for upscale," Durk said. "It's basic food."

Durk said he planned to have some live music, including Jimmy-Buffet-esque bands and possibly a karaoke night. The restaurant will be themed to attract middle-aged adults, he said. Durk added he plans to be "very involved" with Downtown Racine events.

The hours are scheduled as 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays.

Committee gives Sixth St convenience store another setback

A proposed convenience store on Sixth Street can't get any traction with city officials because the owners want to sell packages of wine and beer.

The Public Safety and Licensing Committee voted 3-0 Monday night to deny a license for a proposed store at 420 Sixth St. The vote practically dooms the store, which was opposed by several Sixth Street business owners.

James and Caroline Chun had proposed opening a convenience store that would sell basic groceries and household items along with prepackaged beer and wine. The couple had initially applied for a full liquor license, but that was rejected back in April.

Alan Bagg, the owner of Corporate Images at 417 Sixth St., told the committee during a public hearing that the convenience store would disrupt a "fragile area."

"A bad fit is a bad business for everyone else," Bagg said.

Fritz Cape, the owner of 302 and 304 Sixth St., said there was already a large concentration of liquor licenses on the street.

"It's not in keeping with the vision of a revitalized Sixth Street," said Cape, whose wife, former Alderwoman Cherri Cape, also spoke against the proposal. Cherri is also the owner of Moxie Child at 304 Sixth St.

Jeff Shawhan, the owner of The Elements Gallery at 409 Sixth St., wondered why the committee was considering a proposal it had already rejected. "What's changed in those few months?" he asked.

Several people spoke in favor of the store. A petition with 61 names supporting the business was submitted and members of the Racine LiberTEA party attended the hearing to speak in favor of the proposal.

Elizabeth Jones, who owns the building at 612 6th St., said the convenience store was a good fit for the area, even if it sold alcohol.

"I don't think we should be discouraging business," she said.

Blogger and Downtown business owner Dennis Navratil argued the city doesn't have problems with businesses that sell packaged alcohol, and pointed out businesses like Uncorkt and the former Braun's and Historic Century Market never have had a problem.

Navratil also pointed out Downtown has at least 20 vacant buildings, which would seem the indicate the need to attract new businesses. If Downtown bars are creating problems, he said, take away their licenses, don't punish a convenience store that's never opened.

Kate Remington, who owns a building at 613 Sixth St., said the convenience store would be a nice addition for Sixth Street residents. "We don't have a grocery store. We get hungry," Remington said.

But ultimately the committee members were unswayed by arguments for the store, and its chances are now slim of getting the needed two-thirds majority support from the City Council. With Aldermen Aron Wisneski, Jim Kaplan and Terry McCarthy voting against the license, one woud have to switch their vote and the rest of the City Council would need to support the Chun's for them to receive a license. That's unlikely because Alderman Jeff Coe, whose district includes Sixth Street, spoke against the proposal.

The two-thirds majority vote is required because the City Council recently passed an ordinance limiting the number of "Class A" liquor licenses in the city. Two-thirds of the City Council would need to make an exception to the freshly enacted ordinance to allow the Chuns to sell beer and wine.

Opposition to the convenience store is a blow for local businessman Michael Choi, who has opened three successful restaurants in the Sixth Street area (Shogun, Asiana and Olde Madrid). He spoke to the committee and pointed out that it makes no sense for him to open a business that would harm is surrounding restaurants. He also said the convenience store would be a better fit for Sixth Street than a vacant storefront.

"This is not a packaged liquor store," Choi said. "It's a convenience store that sells packaged liquor."

But the aldermen, set in their belief that alcohol will harm Sixth Street, were unconvinced.

Kaplan actually said the site at 420 Sixth St. was a "perfect place" for a convenience store. But he said selling alcohol in the store was a deal breaker. McCarthy and Wisneski made similar comments and suggested the Chuns open without selling alcohol.

But the Chuns had earlier shut down that idea, estimating alcohol sales would make up 25 percent of their business.

Ironically, shortly before the committee rejected the Chuns' license they paved the way for Keith Fair to reopen the Tango Bar on Sixth Street. Fair is planning to reopen the bar by Labor Day.