The Milwaukee Common Council's Licenses Committee Monday denied an application by the owners of Silk Exotic Gentleman's Club for a Class B Tavern and Tavern Amusement (Cabaret/Nite Club) License to operate in the former Martini Mike's location at 730 N. Old World 3rd Street.

Owner Jon Ferraro operates similar clubs on the city's northwest side, in Juneau in Dodge County and in Middleton, a Madison suburb. He and his partners pledged to spend up to $1.5 million to rennovate the venue.

While taking into account the willingness of Silk management to invest in the Downtown area, Ald. Ashanti Hamilton made the motion to deny based upon numerous residents and business owners who spoke against the proposed club.

The motion passed by a 5-0 vote.

Later in the day, the committee also denied -- again by a 5-0 vote -- an application for the same ownership group to open another proposed strip club, Satin, at 117 W. Pittsburgh Ave. in Walker's Point.

The full council will consider both applications at its next session, but does not traditionally overturn committee denials.