MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Marquette community gathered Tuesday evening to share their opinions on a downtown social district proposal. The Marquette Downtown Development Authority hosted the first of two open meetings to hear input from the public.
The social district would allow alcoholic beverages purchased at participating business to be brought outside onto the sidewalks within the district. These beverages would be served in designated cups from 11 am until 10 pm Monday through Friday, but would not be allowed into other businesses downtown.
“We look at this as place making, for both our locals and people who visit downtown Marquette,” said Tara Laase-McKinney, Executive Director of the DDA. “So, it’s something that will just add to their experience when they come downtown and really just be an enjoyable thing for people.”
The social district would include Washington Street from the 400 to the 100 block, as well as 3rd Street from College Avenue to Baraga. The 100 blocks of Main and Spring Streets, as well as Baraga Avenue, would be included in the district.
The Marquette community seems to be reacting positively to the proposal, and some community members and business owners within the district said they were excited to see the new life it could bring to the downtown area.
The owner of Flower Works and long-time resident Andrea Forsberg said she’s excited for the possibilities for the Music on 3rd Street events.
“I thought that would be lovely because you’re already wandering from one place to the next enjoying all the different music,” she said. “So it would be nice to do that with a beverage.”
The last open meeting will be held Wednesday, March 1st at 11 am in the Marquette Commons.
