Oak Creek Restaurant Denied Outdoor Dining Area Over Concerns

OAK CREEK, WI — An Oak Creek restaurant had its application for an outdoor dining area denied after members of the Oak Creek plan commission heard several concerns from neighbors and fellow city officials.

Tasos Tsopelas, owner of Breakerz Bar and Grille, located at 8950 S.27th Street, applied for an outdoor dining area on the property. Tsopelas was seeking a temporary use permit allowing for a proposed outdoor dining area on the north side of the existing restaurant building.

The proposed dining area would be located within the existing parking lot, with tables that could accommodate up to 96 people.

During a July 27 Plan Commission meeting, Steven Vieira, who lives right behind the restaurant, said he was "dead against" the proposed outdoor dining area, citing a number of concerns about property upkeep during the plan commission meeting.

"For a lot of you that are on the City Council that know me, we fought for years with Bootz, and I just don't want to go down that path again," he said to commissioners referring to Bootz Saloon, which used to occupy the property. "It was designed to be a restaurant, not a bar, not a music venue."

Oak Creek Sixth District Alderman Chris Guzikowski said he agreed with residents who came forward with their concerns, including: A fence that is in disrepair, the prevalence of weeds, the unkempt grass and the trash, according to meeting minutes. He also expressed disappointment that Tsopelas wasn't at the meeting to speak and added that the maintenance issues "were not getting any better," though he didn't want to hold his non-attendance against him, according to the minutes.

Oak Creek Second District Alderman Gregory Loreck said he liked some aspects of the plan, yet said the only way that he would be able to support the proposal would be is if it was temporary, according to the minutes.

After discussing a variety of issues, including the type and configuration of temporary barricades outside the dining area, Mayor Daniel Bukiewicz agreed that the commissioners' concerns were valid. The mayor indicated Tsopelas' plans needed to be updated, particularly when it came to the type and configuration of the barriers, so they were compatible with local rules.

Commissioners voted down Tsopelas' plans while understanding that he will likely submit a new plan. Commissioners also acknowledged there would probably be more submissions for outdoor dining areas given the restrictions brought about by COVID-19 health rules.