Downtown "Social District" approved by village council

Two meetings after it was originally presented to Village Council, the Manchester DDA is now able to proceed with its plans for a downtown "Social District."

Social districts are gaining popularity in Michigan as a way to promote downtown areas. This idea has been explored and implemented in cities and villages throughout Michigan, since Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill into law last summer that allows for social districts to be established. Other local communities who have begun implementing such plans include Saline, Adrian, and Dexter.

The concept was presented formally to Village Council at its May 3 meeting, and discussed again at the May 17 meeting, which included a packet developed by the DDA to introduce the Social District, setting out general facts about this new law as well as outlining the rules of operation and boundaries for Manchester's own Social District, and a preliminary budget. The packet also included a resolution for Council to consider adopting, which would allow the plans to continue.

Although the resolution provided at the May 17 meeting was simply a draft, Council agreed to hold a special meeting on Friday, May 21 and during that meeting voted to adopt a finalized resolution allowing the DDA to move forward with its plans.

The DDA now has to petition the Liquor Control Commission for permission to establish the Social District in downtown Manchester, and the process will continue throughout the summer. Depending on how quickly the wheels of government turn in Lansing, it will likely be two to three months, or longer, before it can actually become a reality. Meanwhile, organizers have plenty of work to do to develop and order signage, plan for the logistics of the social district, and start enlisting businesses to participate.

Currently, downtown businesses including Frank's Place, Over the Edge, Sweet Leilani's, and River Raisin Distillery have agreed to participate. At this time, the Village Tap has indicated it is not interested in participating, at least for this inaugural year.

The boundaries of the Social District, as adopted at the Council meeting on May 21, include both north and south sides of Main Street from Clinton Street to M-52; River Raisin Park; Adrian Street from Main to Duncan; and continuing on only the south side of Main Street from Clinton to Elton Street. Wurster Park on the south side of Main (the gazebo area) is also included in the Social District.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.