It is very disheartening and extremely concerning to see a microbrewery being allowed to open next door to a ballet academy, a children’s music academy, as well as a martial arts gym and a cross-fit gym – in a complex located on 6th Street South.

I understand that the location has been approved by the City of Kirkland, but the notice was ‘conveniently’ posted during the two weeks the child and youth focused businesses were closed, before the beginning of summer activities.

As part-owner of AMC Kickboxing, a long-time Kirkland business (more than 15 years), I cannot comprehend why a business serving alcohol would be approved to have a business license literally next door to youth-oriented services. Many of us business owners have been in the complex on average 10-20 years, we have built our business from scratch and have seen students come and our programs grow. Then, to allow a new business coming in serving alcohol right next to where children are attending classes, is simply outrageous.

I’m sure many residents nearby are parents of (some) young children, and possibly have grandchildren. I implore you to please think about the ramifications of having a microbrewery at this particular location. If you had a child/grandchild taking a ballet, music, or martial arts class at the complex and God forbid, someone leaving the microbrewery was slightly intoxicated and failed to see a child walking in the parking lot, how incredibly devastating that would be? To think that it could have possibly been avoidable. Most patrons of the current businesses are aware of the youth-oriented programs in the lot and take precautions when driving in the vicinity.

As a concerned parent who has a young daughter attending the ballet academy and as a nearby Kirkland business owner, it seems extremely reckless to allow a business serving alcohol to open in this location. Surely, there are other locations where a microbrewery in Kirkland would be more appropriate. Next door to facilities serving youth on the Eastside does not seem quite the right fit.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Christina Hume, Kirkland