HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Mar. 16, 2022) – A request by Holland’s Downtown Development Authority and the Principal Shopping District highlights tonight’s scheduled City Council business meeting.
The two panels are asking council to approve the expansion of the downtown Social District so that it can remain open during special events and festivals. Currently, the 12 establishments participating in this cooperative effort to spur more dining patronage downtown have been pleased since the program began last June, but feel stymied when the district is not allowed while special events that attract more people downtown are going on.
Staffers from the DDA and the PSD have done research on how social districts have worked in other neighboring communities that don’t have such a restriction, and a survey of downtown stakeholders showed an overwhelming response in favor of lifting this restriction.
Earlier this month, the boards of the DDA and the PSD agreed to present this joint proposal to council, with the caveat that the Social District would be closed during all parade hours, such as during the two Tulip Time Festival parades, the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Parade, the Labor Day Truck Parade and others.
Established by the state in 2020, Social Districts allow patrons of participating establishments in a defined area to carry their alcoholic beverages in designated containers between these establishments during certain hours.
The agenda for the 6 PM Holland City Council business meeting in Chambers at Holland City Hall is here.
Comments