And, customer service and following the law are not mutually exclusive - they go together. Not only is following the law and being responsive to customers possible, it is necessary to ensure everyone is treated fairly and there is no appearance or otherwise of quid pro quo and favoritism to large developers.

I am pleased the bar owners also appeared to consider the impact on the surrounding dwellings (apartments, homes, etc) by trying to ensure the noise levels coming off the back smoking area is less than it was before. I am hopeful it will be a cozy place to hang out and not have a detrimental impact on the liveability of the surrounding area. I am hopeful it will be a model for other bars/ restaurants to follow - when you do it right everybody (business and residents) wins.

David - I am a bit curious what type of comments you've heard from your neighbors and what part of town they're from? I have heard generally positive feedback from my central city neighbors. And in general, the planning for the intermodal and railyards can shed some light on the complexity of this potential transaction - it has been a complex interaction of city, federal, state and private entities but for the most part, the details are almost worked out. It has taken many years but it is getting done in a way that will satisfy all the parties. In general, these transactions are not easy but...not understanding them does not make them inherently shady. But on the flip side, the public needs to try to understand the process and ask lots of questions and demand answers.

the back room is great - it will be more comfortable for patrons than the drafty old patio and the sound coming out the back will likely be reduced so it's quieter for the apartments across the alley. A win-win!

Wrigley Field is close to downtown and it works well, whereas in St. Louis the downtown arena doesn't work so well so each city needs to find what works for them. As a long time central city homeowner, the downtown complex is a great concept but it must be designed in a way in which it does not become a wasteland when the arena is not being used and the design must faciliate people getting out and experiencing downtown not just driving in, seeing a game and then leaving. The key is to design it in a way that serve multiple uses so it is constantly used and don't give it a sea of surface parking. My only really big concern is that the arena does not block the view shed of the intermodal and historic rail depot from I street or the freeway. So far the drawings look pretty good but it's only a drawing and plenty of developments never lived up to the artists concept drawing. This arena plan must in no way jeapordize the ten plus years of planning that has gone into the intermodal - that would be a huge setback and our transit infrastructure is critical to a liveable downtown and a higher priority than a sports & entertainment complex.