MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Two more businesses along Water Street are closing in downtown Milwaukee.

Silk on Water is temporarily closing, citing concerns about shootings, gun violence and other public safety issues.

“It’s really been a post-pandemic phenomenon,” Milwaukee Alderperson Bob Bauman said. “There is no question there are problems with crime, fear and disorder in the Water Street entertainment district.”

The Lowcountry restaurant also announced its closing over the weekend but did not say why. 

CBS 58

“There was no forewarning of this, there were no ultimatums laid down, there were no statements that things are intolerable,” Bauman said.

Bauman has spent years calling for more safety measures in the entertainment district on Water and is now calling out the Milwaukee Police Department. 

“In my mind, the basic problem is that MPD does not allocate sufficient resources to these entertainment districts. You need a huge presence,” Bauman said. “To issue a citation, to process an arrest, to actually hold accountability.”

MPD tells CBS 58 that the department has a code red deployment in the area, which means more officers are patrolling.

“It’s a lawless zone; they can do what they please. They won’t get a ticket, they won’t be arrested, it’s a free-fire zone, in essence,” Bauman said.

Kevin Juhan lives downtown and says he goes out on Water almost every weekend.

“It’s definitely gotten better with the police presence but it's still crazy at night,” Juhan said.

Bauman says there is concern about the future of Water Street as more businesses continue to close.

“I think the future is a question mark unless we get the crime, fear, and disorder out of control,” Bauman said. “Are there questions about the viability of Water Street long-term? You bet.”