ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – The City of Escanaba will soon join the growing list of U.P. communities with a social district.
On Thursday, the City Council voted unanimously in favor of creating a social district along Ludington Street.
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) originally proposed establishing a social district from the Municipal Marina to 14th Street, along with select side streets and event areas. However, the proposal has since been extended to Ludington Park and Lincoln Road.
“That was because of the interest from City Council members to include the entire Downtown,” said DDA Director Craig Woerpel. “It’s good to see that the City Council was appreciative of this and wanting to move forward.”
The social district will be a designated outdoor area where patrons can enjoy alcoholic beverages from approved businesses. With the extension, businesses like La Cantina and Mo’s Pub join the map of establishments that can participate in the social district. Businesses must be licensed by the State and earn approval from the City in order to take part.
Council members did discuss some concerns, from how the district would impact certain events to the anticipated increase in waste from disposable cups. However, they unanimously supported the proposal.
Woerpel believes the City Council’s decision is a positive step for Downtown Escanaba.
“I’ve heard nothing but positive from people as we talk about this,” he said. “I think people are a little excited about it. It certainly has worked in other communities. I know that this has been something that’s been talked about for quite a while, and that we finally got to this point is good to see.”
Woerpel hopes to have the social district in place this summer, coinciding with annual and new events the DDA has planned.
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