Last week, Capitol Neighborhoods Inc. publicly criticized several Capitol Square area nightclubs, claiming the clubs' clientele are making the neighborhood unsafe.
Police reports of assault and fighting often stemming from Club Majestic, 115 King St., have made residents uneasy, according to First Settlement District Chair Jamie McCarville.
'There are a number of restaurants and bars that are frankly disgusted with events going on at the Majestic,' McCarville said. 'We're deeply concerned about the increased vandalism and threats.'
McCarville stated her concern for the whole of downtown, saying that safety issues beyond her district should also be addressed.
'Often the students are victims of crimes that go unreported,' she said. 'We want to be able to be out and be safe because we love our downtown.'
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, appreciates Capitol Neighborhoods' concern. He said its input aids licensing decisions made by the Alcohol License Review Committee, of which he is a member. He said he agreed with McCarville that problems on King Street are a chief concern.
'Residents have had personal negative experiences near the King Street area,' he said.
Club Majestic's management and Madison police met Jan. 12 to discuss ways of dealing with neighborhood concerns. Verveer said possible options are prohibiting parking on King Street and creating an alternate exit on Doty Street for the club's patrons.
Verveer also said Captiol Neighborhoods' alcohol issues committee will meet Thursday with police and business owners to discuss the issues and monitor the city's alcohol licensing.
'One thing the committee will look at is the Kimia Lounge's request to increase their capacity levels,' he said.
Kimia Lounge owner Kami Eshraghi said he finds Capitol Neighborhoods' criticism too generalized. He said he has had no problems with violence in his club.
'Problems do exist with other clubs,' he said. '[The ALRC] should single those clubs out and work with them directly.'
Verveer said he appreciates Eshraghi's frustration, though he said it is necessary to consider hard police data regarding the club at Thursday's meeting.
'I certainly think Kimia Lounge is a nice place,' Verveer said. 'I have no problem with the lounge, though I'd like a chance to address Capitol Neighborhoods' concerns.'
Eshraghi said he works to maintain a safe club by including diverse nightly themes. He said he felt the Capitol Neighborhood was playing 'small town politics.'
'They have no reason to effect growing, vibrant clubs like mine,' Eshraghi said. 'If there is a problem with a club, it's the management's fault.'
