Welcome to the second edition of Voices of Downtown, a collection of recent comments from our readers, which we'll continue to share from time to time.

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Benches spontaneously appear around the downtown Minneapolis core

More please! It reminds of the time the green chairs magically appeared in the Lyndale neighborhood in the late ‘80s or early ‘90s and totally improved the neighborhood, because after that, more and more people came out and got involved. – Barb

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Afrobeat lounge eager to open despite opposition from Mill District residents and councilmember

I lived in that neighborhood for 18 years, and it sounds like the proposal with the licensing folks would work fine. Let the new owner have a shot at his business. – Anonymous

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Brianna, I attended that meeting as a business owner who operates out of a store on Washington Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. After reading the "Downtown Next" action strategy created by Minneapolis Foundation, I felt it was important to see just how committed the City really is to supporting the plan and suggestions. The meeting was taken over by opposition people. I was one of the few supporters. Downtown cannot just think about change, action must be done. This is a good first step. There are no restrictions on a bar in this location. According to the licensing representative at the meeting, there is no legal reason why this bar could not be located here. If the neighborhood experiences problems from the bar, there is legal recourse. If the business receives too many complaints then the city can take action. That is the proper process. I tried to emphasize that it is in the owners best interest to keep the neighbors happy. It is vital to the success of the business. To deny a license based on anything other than the current rules does not hold water. I wish the Bazement the best of luck. – Will Wright

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I think it is a wonderful idea and a terrific name. I wish you lots of luck on your endeavors. Thumbs up for the Bazement. I simply love music. I think this club sounds great. I would be excited to have a place like that in my town. – Joey Stagaard, a trichologist and dancing queen from New Jersey.