Social District approved

Commission unanimous, establishments
must still apply for State permits

 

IMLAY CITY — The next step for a new social drinking district in downtown Imlay City was taken last week, following a unanimous vote by the city commission to allow the special designation.

Hours of research, investigation and paperwork paid off for Police Chief Brett Selby, Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Christine Malzahn and City Manager Craig Horton with the positive vote.

“The police department fully supports this,” Chief Selby said. “We are all for bringing more people downtown and this will be another tool to help accomplish that. Now, that being said, we certainly will be keeping a close eye on things, just so residents and visitors are not violating the guidelines and laws that have been established. We want people to come to Imlay City, have a good time and come back again.”

On a roll call vote, the commission passed the resolution seeking the establishment of the downtown social district on a 5-0 vote with members Tom Blount and Al Ramirez absent. Voting in favor were Joe DeLuca, Mayor Pro-Tem Bob Tanis, Luke Stempien, Stu Davis and Mayor Barbara Yockey.

Following the official action by commissioners, Imlay City becomes the third municipality in Lapeer County to have the designation, along with the City of Lapeer and the Village of Almont.

With the new designation, establishments that are qualified, with State licensing in hand, will be able to serve alcohol in translucent, 16 ounce cups clearly labeled and identified, to patrons who are then allowed to take their drinks outside on public sidewalks, in the specified areas.

A Social District is an area designated by the municipal government where consumers are able to drink beer, wine or spirits in a designated commons area outside the walls of a licensed establishment. A Social District can have more than one common area. Social Districts are overseen by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.

To begin with, two businesses – Third & Main, Inc. and Botana’s Inc., would become the first two businesses within the active social district. The Eagles Hall on S. Almont Ave. is also within the social district area that includes a portion of S. Almont Ave and Third St.

Part of the plan for the new designation includes the potential to have special events in the downtown area such as car shows, truck shows, bike night and other events, along with the city’s other annual events.

The proposed Social District Common Area in downtown would encompass the western tip of the cul-de-sac on Third St west to the west side of Almont, from Second St. to Fifth St., on both sides.

In addition, it would include: the area along Depot Drive from Almont St. to the old DPW barn and north behind the police department. Original plans called for the district to encompass the Alvin Norlin Pool area.

After city commission members questioned the wisdom of including the pool area at an earlier meeting, where children are present, new boundary lines exclude the pool area.

The district would continue west to the rear of City Hall and back south to Third St. and then continue west from Third St. south of Main St. to north of the alley behind 150 Popp parallel to Bancroft then west to Bancroft and south back to Third St.

The DDA would invest approximately $2,000 for large signs to be placed throughout the downtown area, according to Chief Selby.

“These signs would detail how the district works and the hours it’s allowed,” the Chief explained. “There would also be additional garbage cans placed downtown to handle a potential increase in trash.”

Hours for the district would be: Sunday thru Thursday 12 p.m. until 9 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. until 11 p.m.

If the district is approved, consumption of beverages would be only permitted within the social district.

Beverages must be purchased from a qualified license holder as identified. The beverages must be consumed out of a plastic cup with a historic downtown Imlay City Social District sticker on it.

Officials say at the earliest, it could be April or later before the social district is open, pending final approval. Before it could become official, there are legalities that need to be taken care of including passing a new resolution and publishing the action in the local newspaper.

Any group or organization that wanted to have an event involving alcohol, within the district, would still have to apply for a permit 30 days prior to the event happening.

Chief Selby pointed out to the commission during a meeting last month, “The City of Imlay City Police Department will provide law enforcement services to the social district. In accordance with existing protocol, at least one officer will be designated to patrol the city until midnight each night. The officers on patrol will be jointly responsible for providing services within the social district.”

During special events and any time when the district is anticipating seeing significant crowds and activity, the Chief said his department would issue a request for additional special patrol officers.