The city of South Haven is looking at the possibility of establishing a social district. Legislation signed last year by Governor Gretchen Whitmer allows communities to set them up as common drinking areas. South Haven City Manager Kate Hosier tells WSJM News something like that could be a boost to outdoor dining.
“We had a business owner who was looking into whether a social district would be a good idea for South Haven, and so we too that to our DDA and to our planning commission and we’ve gotten some mixed results as to whether or not it would be well received here,” Hosier said.
The city is thinking an area downtown could be set aside as a social district.
“There would be a bar or restaurant that would have to be adjacent to the district, and it would use common areas such as sidewalks, possibly parks, areas you’d combine a social district area where you’d consume beverages.”
Hosier says she’s heard both positive and less positive reactions to the idea, and the city is going to be reaching out to residents to get their thoughts before making a decision. The Downtown Development Authority is working on a survey now. Hosier notes social districts have been used in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Allegan.
