New Bar Moving In Downtown Despite Objections

Downtown Bradenton is adding another bar, and some residents aren't happy.

is relocating from 5106 14th St. W. to a new location on Old Main Street after its owners won approval Wednesday from the Bradenton City Council.

Several residents and staff at Westminster Courtyard, a retirement community that is next to the bar's new home at 302 12th St. W., argued that adding another bar downtown will contribute more litter and noise pollution and create an unsafe atmosphere.

Doris Blattner, whose apartment is directly across from the site of the new bar, said she chose to retire in Bradenton over many other Florida cities but isn't happy with the party scene that's developed on Old Main Street in recent years.

"We have put in our life savings, and we plan to be longtime residents," Blattner said. "I would not have come had I thought there was going to be a lounge as my next-door neighbor."

Blattner and other residents pointed out there are already six bars within a two-block radius downtown. Dr. Russ Kitching, administrator of downtown's First Baptist Church Bradenton, said he would be disappointed if Old Main Street begins to have the same reputation as Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

"I don't want it to become a place where you just come to party and drink," Kitching said.

Mike Kennedy of the Downtown Development Authority and several council members said they would like to see other types of businesses move into the downtown area, but in this economic climate, they can't be choosy.

Kennedy said he hoped as downtown becomes known as an entertainment destination, more people will be enticed to move into the area, which will help draw other types of businesses.

"We have spent hours, hours and hours trying to bring a grocery store downtown," said Mayor Wayne Poston, but the area needs to have a critical mass of local residents before that can happen.

As for the Westminster Courtyard residents' concerns about safety, council members pointed out they recently approved a new position for a downtown city police officer who will patrol the area on nights and weekends. Kennedy said downtown is one of the city's safest neighborhoods.

Rasher Tierney's permit -- which was approved by a 4-1 vote, with councilwoman Marianne Barnebey voting against -- does come with some stipulations: The bar cannot have outdoor seating or outdoor entertainment.

Thomas Stynes, who's owned Rasher Tierney's for six years, said he recognizes the importance of being a good neighbor, and that he and his business partner hope to bring other projects, including perhaps a fresh market, downtown within the next 12 to 18 months if Rasher Tierney's is successful.

"I've been in business since I was 18 years old," Stynes said. "I'm not from this country, and I had to fight to get here. I love living in Bradenton."

Added Stynes, "We'd like to be part of the downtown family."