SAUGATUCK, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – A Lakeshore community with hopes of relaxed social restrictions this spring has begun a new program.
On Sunday, the “Social District” initiative began in the City of Saugatuck. It’s an effort to allow patrons of participating establishments that sell alcohol by the glass to take their beverages with them in a confined Downtown area for shopping and dining at supporting establishments. The Social District will run from March 7th through May 24th, with daily hours of 11 AM to 11 PM.
Signage indicating the boundaries of this District will be delivered on Monday, and the Saugatuck/Douglas Convention and Visitors Bureau is supplying window clings and stickers that will be available for participating businesses. According to City Manager Ryan Heise, the CVB has “also arranged a group purchase price for compostable cups (paper and plastic options).
CVB Executive Director Lisa Mize said, in a statement that is part of Heise’s report for Monday night’s Saugatuck City Council meeting, “This is within our mission of enhancing the visitor experience from a sponsorship standpoint, similar to the Christmas lights. It also conveys an image to our guests that communicates a well thought out campaign inline with our digital, social and online presence. It benefits everyone!”
As for policing issues, Allegan County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Brett Ensfield, in a statement that is also part of tonight’s Saugatuck City Council meeting, admitted that “The new social district brings many variables and possible scenarios that are hard for us to plan for in law enforcement…The law enforcement plan for the social district will need to be fluid to adjust to any needs or problems that arise. We do not have the ability to design a plan at this time as this is not something we have ever worked with before and have no data to reference in making the best policing decisions…The success of this endeavor will rely on the businesses ability to control the way that the social district is advertised and executed as well as the general public’s response to these actions.”
Also during Monday night’s meeting, city council members will be asked to approve three portable radar feedback signs, at a cost of $10,100, so that they can be purchase and be available for the summer season.
In addition, council is considering a $10 increase in non-resident Oval Beach season pass to $60 for 2021. The hike in the season pass would be the first in six years, and would affect anyone who does not own property in the city. Saugatuck property owners could still get a $20 season pass for Oval Beach. City Manager Heise explained that revenue from the sale of Oval Beach passes “funds the maintenance and operations of all other parks” in Saugatuck.
Monday night’s 7 PM Saugatuck City Council meeting will be virtual, with information on public participation and observation available here.
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