Posted: Sept. 23, 2009 |(0) Comments

Whitefish Bay — Often when a new restaurant is proposed in a community, neighbors will show up at meetings to raise issues about noise, odors, traffic and more.

But the residents at Tuesday's Plan Commission meeting weren't saying "not in my backyard" about plans for a new City Market in their neighborhood. In fact, they were anxiously trying to find out when the restaurant would open its doors on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Silver Spring Drive.

Owners Jeff Swanson and Julie Hollingsworth plan to buy the building at 527 E. Silver Spring Drive and open the City Market on the first floor. The building currently houses Giraffe, a gift store, and has a vacant storefront formerly occupied by a Mike Crivello Camera Center.

The Plan Commission approved the necessary permits for the business on Tuesday.

The building will undergo exterior and interior renovations, including the addition of the large windows that are a signature element at other City Market locations in Shorewood and Wauwatosa.

Typical of those who came was Elizabeth Lentini, 5525 N. Hollywood Blvd., who expressed support for the restaurant and bakery.

"It is very exciting to think of something very vibrant and active going on there," she said.

Hollingsworth said the menu and seating capacity for the restaurant will be similar to the one in Shorewood, with seating for 82 inside and 44 outside tables that will be located both in front of the building on Silver Spring and to the side on Hollywood Boulevard.

Village officials believe there is adequate parking in the area for restaurant customers, but had some concern that customers might park in front of homes on Hollywood Boulevard.

Resident who were in the audience didn't share the concern.

Mark Kuehn, 5531 N. Hollywood Blvd., said residents area accustomed to people parking on the street and there is no problem.

"The building has been an eyesore and a disgrace to Whitefish Bay," he said, adding that he was looking forward to the change.

The owners intend to apply for a liquor license to serve beer and wine, and because of that plan to have a wrought iron fence around the outdoor seating area on Hollywood Boulevard.

The only complaint residents had about City Market? It can't open soon enough.

Hollingsworth said the owners plan to close on the purchase of the building by the end of November and immediately will begin renovations. It will likely be spring before City Market opens, she said.