3 Wauwatosa Bars Pushed To Be 'Good Neighbors' After Noise Complaints, Other Issues

WAUWATOSA, WI — A city committee encouraged three Wauwatosa businesses to continue fostering positive relationships with residents nearby, after a number of police reports and noise complaints.

On Tuesday, the Wauwatosa Government Affairs Committee spoke with representatives from Ferch’s Crafthouse Grille and JoJo’s Martini Lounge, which are both in suites at 418 N. Mayfair Road; and Jackson’s Blue Ribbon Club, which is at 11302 W. Bluemound Rd.

The businesses’ liquor license renewals were contingent on this review with members of Common Council. Committee members were presented with a list of police reports about each of the businesses, dating from June 2020 to August 2021. They then held discussions with the businesses' owners and managers about how the businesses were addressing these issues

According to police reports, one Ferch's employee had been cited several times by police. Neighbors had complained about loud music and noise coming from Ferch’s and JoJo’s. Police had also responded to Jackson’s due to the alarm system being set off, as well as due to several loud noise complaints and reported parking problems.

Alderperson Nancy Welch said the committee needs to consider how much time the police are spending on calls to local bars and restaurants.

“I am looking for ways that we can keep the pressure up so that they do comply with keeping the noise down, they keep their employees under control, so that this isn’t a drain on resources and an impact on the neighbors," said Welch, who represents Tosa's 3rd District. "The neighbors shouldn’t have to live with this.”

Jeffrey Ferchoff, who co-owns Ferch’s, said the restaurant has met with neighbors. Ferchoff said the music system has been removed from the kitchen, as much of the noise came from the kitchen when employees had the door open.

Wauwatosa Police Captain Luke Vetter said the department has not received any calls about Ferch’s in the past few months.

Kelly Brunhart is one of the neighbors who met with Ferchoff and said the discussion “has been successful thus far.” She said her house is within 75 feet of the building that houses Ferch’s and JoJo’s.

“I’m cautiously optimistic that we are able to move forward,” she said.

The owner of JoJo’s, John Robinson, said he had spoke with Brunhart in June. He said he understands the neighbors’ concerns.

“They’re neighbors, they live there,” Robinson said. “They shouldn’t have to deal with noise complaints or any issues.”

Brunhart thanked Robinson for coming to meet with her, and said she had not had noise issues since then.

“I want to thank him for taking the proper steps to ensuring we both can enjoy this area together,” she said.

Alderperson Matt Stippich, the committee chair, said members of Common Council do not want to see businesses lose their licenses.

“We want to figure out a way to do this that protects our neighbors but at the same time supports our businesses and protects our businesses,” said Stippich, who represents District 1. “We want you to be in business.”

Stippich said conversations with Jackson’s Blue Ribbon Pub began with noise complaints from Jacksonfest more than a year ago. Jacksonfest has not happened since the beginning of the pandemic, but there were still other complaints to sort out.

Jackson’s general manager Nicole Roca said she is working with an alarm company to fix sensors in the restaurant, as many of the police reports are based on alarms going off at the business.

Police Captain Vetter agreed that the alarms have been a “glaring problem” and added the police have not had problems with employees.

Roca added she applied for a loading zone permit for the shuttles that Jackson’s runs for Brewers games. Welch said she had received neighbor complaints about shuttles blocking streets and causing parking problems.

“I have heard far too many complaints from neighbors,” Welch said, adding she encourages Jackson’s to be a “good neighbor.”

Roca said she had not heard such complaints from nearby residents.

“I feel like I’m trying to do everything that I possibly can as soon as it’s brought to my attention,” Roca said. “It’s just unfortunate when things aren’t brought to my attention until they’re to this point.”

Owner Dan Zierath said he has been unfairly characterized as a “bad neighbor.” Alderperson Jason Kofroth said there is a higher rate of neighbor complaints at Jackson’s than at other establishments on Bluemound.

“We just need to make sure that this line of communication is open and that you’re fully aware of it,” Kofroth said.

Zierath said it is possible that neighbors could be lying when they call in noise complaints.

Welch encouraged him to talk to the neighbors.

“I just want to see it work,” she said, and Zierath agreed.

You can watch a full video of Tuesday's meeting on the Wauwatosa website. Discussions with restaurant leadership begin at about the 52 minute, 8 second mark.