ROCKFORD — A bar that owners say will cater to craft beer and wine drinkers was approved by aldermen Monday to open inside Rural Oaks Plaza.

Owners say they hope to open the bar by July 1.

Aldermen voted 10-4 to approve a liquor license for Rural on Tap, 1710 Rural St. The council also voted to allow the plaza to have the same number of parking spaces currently on the lot — 54 — which is fewer than required by city code. The parking vote was 11-3.

The bar has been a divisive issue in the surrounding neighborhood. Last month, 25 people spoke at a hearing on the proposed bar. Thirteen people were opposed, and 12 were in favor.

Opponents say it will bring late-night noise, increased traffic and that parking will overflow onto neighborhood streets. They said it could also bring other problems, such as drunken drivers or rowdy patrons.

Supporters say it will revitalize a previously vacant portion of the strip mall and add character to the neighborhood.

Ald. Tom McNamara, who represents the Third Ward where the bar is located, said he’s had more than 50 emails and 200 phone calls from residents voicing their opinions on the proposal.

“It’s one of my first issues on the council that really divided neighborhood vs. neighborhood,” McNamara said.

McNamara and Ald. Jamie Getchius, R-2, who lives a few blocks from the bar’s future address but not in the ward, each urged their fellow council members to support the project.

The bar will not be allowed to have a DJ, dance floor or operate as a night club as a means to attempt to curtail noise. It is also prohibited from having slot machines or video gambling.

McNamara said the plaza’s landlords, Jon and Nancy Whitlock, have attracted new businesses such as sugarjones bakery, helped others expand and removed “problem” tenants like a former tobacco shop that had led to several complaints from neighbors.

“They want to do something positive for the neighborhood, and I think they’ve shown that,” McNamara said.

Kevin Haas: 815-987-1410; khaas@rrstar.com; @KevinMHaas