Lisa Lee
Contributing Writer
(TCJ photo – Village elders have begun the conversation of establishing or not establishing a Social District in Dimondale.)
That is the question Dimondale Village Manager Danielle Tiedeman posed to the residents of the Village at a community meeting on March 25.
About 40 members of local businesses, residents and council members turned out to see if a Social District is right for Dimondale. Tiedeman provided a tentative list of proposed Social District Rules and Regulations should the Village move forward with imposing a Social District.
Last year Charlotte initiated its own Social District, which allows open containers of alcohol to be consumed outside of a restaurant or bar they were purchased from to other areas within the Social District.
It was stated in the meeting that there are over 100 such Social Districts already in place in Michigan and have been providing some positive economic growth. Some of those areas include areas of Lansing and Grand Ledge, Gaylord, Adrian, Brighton and Lowell.
Dimondale’s proposed rules are as follows:
1. Age Requirements: The social district is open to all visitors; however, only individuals 21 years of age or older may purchase and consume alcoholic beverages within the district.
2. Purchase of Food and Beverages: Alcoholic beverages must be purchased from participating, licensed establishments within the social district. Food and non-alcoholic beverages may also be purchased from local businesses.
3. Designated District Boundaries: Alcoholic beverages may only be consumed within the clearly marked boundaries of the social district. Visitors should refer to posted signage and the official map to confirm boundaries. Participating businesses will display signage and serve beverages in approved social district containers.
4. Approved Containers: Alcoholic beverages must be served in designated, non-reusable social district cups provided by participating establishments.
5. Consumption Area Restrictions: Alcoholic beverages purchased within the social district must be consumed outdoors within the designated district boundaries. Such beverages may not be taken into another business or establishment.
6. Removal of Beverages: Alcoholic beverages may not be taken outside the social district boundaries. All beverages must be finished or properly disposed of before exiting the district.
7. Outside Alcohol Prohibited: The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages not purchased from a participating social district establishment is strictly prohibited within the district.
8. Disposal of Containers: All social district cups must be disposed of in designated waste receptacles after use. Cups are not reusable.
9. Responsible Conduct: All participants are expected to consume alcohol responsibly and comply with all applicable laws and local ordinances.
Several community members were present at the March meeting and were granted a three-minute opportunity to speak.
Attendees presented various concerns regarding parking, overcrowding, potential of increased crime and violence, increased litter, traffic flow, pedestrian safety, noise pollution, Village liability, economic impact, and physical boundaries of the proposed district. Also asked was what law enforcement’s role and availability would be for a social district. Concerns were also presented as to if Danford Park would be included in the social district given its close proximity to the alcohol establishments.
As this was an informational input meeting only, the above concerns were not addressed at this time.
Tiedeman declined to be interviewed for this article but advised that this was only an informational gathering meeting as the council considers the proposal. No decisions have been made at this time.
Residents and persons interested in the above proposal are encouraged to attend both the Village council meetings and the Village planning meetings, which are held monthly at 136 North Bridge Street. Council meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. and the planning meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month.
(Editor’s note: From reporter Lisa Lee: I must disclose that I attended this meeting as a community member and had resigned from writing articles over a year ago. After the meeting, I realized that I could no longer just be an observer and needed to report on this issue as it will have significant effect on every member in this community.)
