Oh give me a break we could all be hit by the trolly car too as it makes it's way around Stillwater. I love the idea! Roof top anything is a great use of space.

This is the most ridiculous thing I have heard. Vandalism, burglary, safety concerns? Are these concerns with any other outdoor dining space in Stillwater? This is the problem with government, they stop to take a commission vote every time some nut job opens their mouth in opposition about anything. If Anderson voiced concerns of safety because someone may fall over the railing at the Freight House, Pappy's, the Dock or any others, would the planning commission sit down and review their businesses as well? Stick to doing whatever you do Anderson, and quit acting the neighborhood bully!

Rather than fighting for this roof top dance party USA, I really wish the folks at Rafters would instead focus on doing something about the truly crummy food they serve there. I guess they must be going for the rowdy cheap booze crowd, which is why I would be more hesitant to grant this exception. I do think the reasons Anderson gives are pretty flimsy, but there are people who live in those spaces downtown and should have some protections as well. Also, other than the Freight House is there an establishment anywhere in Stillwater that produces more police visits than Rafters? That should also be a consideration?

As someone who had to fight a neighboring business because they wanted to have outdoor (amplified) music as late as midnight, I have to say that I see both side. Being as this is downtown and almost entirely commercial (although not completely), I guess my opinion is that they should be able to do it...but believe me when I say that there are usually two very valid arguments for these issues.

If successful, there will be others that will want to do it also. Better think of what will happen when the next business asks. I am for any business that actually can survive downtown. As for the food comment by Mr Marsh, "if the shoe fits" Imho Rafters needs food that will bring people up a flight of stairs and come back if you care to have more business.

I've heard rumblings of other restaurants downtown that would like to build rooftop patios, too. I don't believe those ideas have reached the point of public hearings yet, though.

There are alot of people that live downtown . Granted, they must expect to hear alot of noise when they choose to live down there. But the noise from a rooftop deck will travel blocks late at night! I know because we hear noise from a block away at our house! Also, the issue of kids jumping from one rooftop to another is a very real problem downtown. Just punk kids vandalizing the buildings any way they can. Look at the graffiti at that building that used to be Ruby Begonia's. That bldg. has been a graffiti eye sore for over 10 years! I wonder who is responsible for letting that eye sore slide! There will be alot more of those kinds of problems once kids gain more access to the buildings with rooftop access. More rooftop bars. More noise. Does Stillwater not have enough noise?

Peggy, you assume that simply because the patio happens to be on a rooftop that they are letting in teenage punks to run wild over the buildings in Stillwater? Sorry to say, this is absurd. It's a business looking to have an outdoor dining space. Because it happens to be higher in the air than the outdoor dining areas of other businesses in town, doesn't mean that there are any other safety concerns to be had.

Why do all of the naysayers have this assumption that a patio will bring mayhem? They're not proposing a stage to play heavy-metal death music over the valley - they're proposing a place for people to sit and drink and eat a meal. Rooftop patio equals graffiti and people jumping from building to building like Spiderman? Let's get back to reality Peggy Sue.

Great idea. The government needs to but out. They have already ruined the century old Lumberjack Days. It seems the counsel is on a power trip and has the need decide on things they know nothing about. Step away and allow the man to make a living. Time to get rid of the "good 'ol boys network. "

I'm all for it! I'm sure any safety concerns will be assessed before approval is given for building permits.

The Planning and Heritage Preservation Commissions are two of the reasons Stillwater continues to have the historical and aesthetic appeal that draws people and their disposable income to town. Let's not be so short-sighted as to have an "anything goes" attitude that creates more ugly additions and buildings that don't fit the character of the town.

As for Rafters' request, consider the clientele. It's a distinctly different crowd than Marx, Reve 324, The Dock, The Green Room, Shanghai Bistro, Nacho Mama's or Smalley's. Drinking, not dining, is the attraction at Rafters. It's one thing to fall off your bar stool. It's another thing to fall off the roof.

It's a fantastic idea. Stillwater is a beautiful town with only a few outside venues that allow for unobstructed views of the St. Croix. Those venues are often full to capacity which would indicate people would like more of them. To assume that a roof top patio will lead to more robbery, vandalism and people jumping off of buildings is ludicrous.

Mark H. - Kathy's pub in Rochester has a similiar layout to Rafter's and they also have a roof top bar that is absolutely faboulous. They have no issues with items thrown off buildings and any other negative's mentioned in this article. Stillwater seems like a great location for a bar with a rooftop offering.

Harrumph! Harrumph! We should re-evaluate all establishments and close any that exceed the puke-on-sidewalk monthly ratio! Harrumph! Additionally, there will no doubt be dancing and bodies in close proximity on the proposed rooftop! And the high fence will allow men and unmarried women to fornicate in the corner! We shall not let this continue lest their souls be damned for eternity! Harrumph!

If they sincerely want this for outdoor dining, then it should be as simple as closing the patio when the kitchen stops serving dinner, say 10pm. Problem solved.

David,
Smalley's is better
Thank you.

Can somebody tell me if the current ownership/management is the same folks that have been involved with the previous bar/restaurant(s) that have occupied the space? Perhaps the incoherent guy who can't seem to spell David can respond. Thanks.

Randy, have you been to the "Fighthouse" lately? They cause 10 times the amount of police calls, which is why they are stationed there at bar close every weekend. If food and view are an issue, the Freighthouse should have been closed years ago for charging $13 to sit on a patio and a mediocre burger.

No way to roof top!!! This place is a joke. Just walked through with my family and couldn't get anyone to help us, plates with food left on them that looked liked they have been their for a month were everywhere, and could barely walk on the sticky floor.. The place is gross along with the food. Give the patio to a buisness of some meaning! Oh and the bartender was a complete ass. Short balding guy wearing a cap!