R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press Gladstone DDA Director Patricia West discusses the pros and cons of social districts, state law and the city’s maintenance plan developed by a steering committee.

By R. R. Branstrom

rbranstrom@dailypress.net

GLADSTONE –The City of Gladstone has officially adopted a social district management plan, with four commissioners voting in favor of allowing alcoholic beverages on the sidewalks of a stretch of downtown and one commissioner adamantly opposed.

The State of Michigan legalized socia0l districts in 2020, and since then, over 140 municipalities have introduced such regions in their communities. Gladstone’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) had begun looking into the possibility of creating a social district after it was suggested by a local business owner. They then conducted an online community survey in January. After 79% of the 197 poll responses came back in favor of the creation of a social district in Gladstone, a steering committee was appointed to work out the particulars.

The steering committee ‘comprised of Mayor Joe Thompson, DDA Director Patricia West, Public Safety Director Ron Robinson, and representatives from licensed establishments that would have the option to serve drinks in designated containers to be consumed in the district ‘developed a maintenance and management plan with their suggestions for operating hours, district boundaries and other logistics. That plan was first brought to the Gladstone City Commission at the regular meeting of April 28. Wanting to hear more public input, commissioners moved to hold a public hearing on May 11.

The meeting on Monday brought around 45 citizens, about 15 of whom spoke on the matter after a presentation from West about the plan developed by the steering committee and the laws surrounding social districts.

The steering committee’ôs advice for a district was that it would operate year-round from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and from noon to 10 p.m. on weekends. Though a couple people î including Commissioner Judy Akkala and an Escanaba resident who spoke during the hearing felt that 4 p.m. seemed too early, steering committee member and Saunders Point Brewing owner Jake Mills said that the time allowed for businesses that closed at or around 5 p.m. to benefit from the associated foot traffic.

Most citizens who made comments spoke in favor of the district, making for a noted change from past hearings — often, dissent is the prevailing tone when something new is proposed.

“When you build more vibrant communities and you offer more opportunities … it helps other businesses in ways that aren’t expected,” said resident Joanna Wilbee-Amis, who said that she was speaking from experience, having spent most of her career in tourism and economic development.

Many were of the mind that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” and believe that the attraction of a social district could bring into town people who would then spend their money at other Gladstone businesses.

But some felt the opposite was true. Jody Pontius said that at present, their young daughter sometimes walks to Dairy Flo after dance class. But after the social district is in effect, some parents — certainly the Pontiuses — will no longer feel comfortable allowing that.

Without a social district, Jody said, people have the option to avoid alcohol and decide whether they want to expose themselves or their children to certain situations. The social district removes that choice.

But others argued that whether a person physically has a cup in their hand on the sidewalk makes no difference; people can drink liquor and then exit a bar and have their hands free as they roam the town.

“We also have girls in the dance studios downtown, and I am for them to see that people — adults — can drink socially and still be responsible,” said resident Rebecca Herbert.

Amanda Phillips, owner of the Dew Drop Family Restaurant and member of the steering committee, said that she is both for and against the measure. The Dew Drop serves alcohol and would have the option to pay for the additional license from the Liquor Control Commission to participate in the social district, but since the city is also leaving it up to the licensed establishments to obtain their own specially-marked containers, she feels it would be a cost expense and doesn’t see it benefiting her business.

At least one citizen took issue with the verbiage “social district,” as it could imply a pressure to drink in order to be social. Perhaps to avoid such associations, the city could use a different term like Adrian, Mich. did — theirs is the “Downtown Adrian Refreshment Area.”

Scott Perry, owner of Perry Good Cleaners, voiced a concern about damages and who would be liable. Public Safety Director Ron Robinson said that the individual(s) who caused the damage would be responsible, as they are now. Crimes are still illegal, and the city encourages people to report instances of people breaking the rules.

A handful of citizens suggested that a social district proposal be put on the ballot. To this, Commissioner Brad Mantela said that if every decision was put to a vote, progress would grind to a halt. The people elected the commission to make some decisions in good faith.

Akkala, Mantela, Thompson and Commissioner Steve O’Driscoll voted to approve the social district plan that the steering committee had put forward. Commissioner Robert Pontius voted against it, and at the close of the meeting said that he thinks it was a mistake to pass it. He also believes that a “silent majority” who were opposed did not show up to voice their opinions, and that now, “we risk ruining the downtown.”

Information will be forthcoming as things develop. Before the social district can go into effect, the state must approve it and signage must be obtained. West believes it’s possible that the district could be implemented by autumn.

The city retains the right to revoke the social district indefinitely or pause it temporarily with seven days notice. They plan to review the situation annually.

Other happenings at Monday’s meeting included:

– The commission authorized City Manager Eric Buckman to sign an application for a loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Strategic Water Quality Initiatives Fund for the upcoming collection systems project. The estimated cost of the project, before principal forgiveness, is $8.2 million.

РThrough Resolution 2025-02, the city will issue revenue bonds with the intent to reimburse, not to exceed $9.8 million, for improvements to the city’s existing sewage disposal system.

– A correction was made to draw #32 for the wastewater treatment plant project. A $98,000 charge had been added unnecessarily; since that amount had already been covered by a grant, draw #32 was reduced from $415,710.50 to $317,710.50.

– Draw #34 for the same project was approved at $32,000.

РThe commission approved the Department of Public Works’ purchase of a replacement skid steer. The new 2025 JBC Teleskid from Fairchild Equipment, replacing a 1999 John Deere 240, has been obtained at a rate for municipalities and will be paid off at $15,912.48 per year for four years.

– A 5% wage increase was approved for Gladstone Power & Light employees with the IBEW 876 union.

– Three special event permits were issued to Saunders Point Brewing for June 14, July 5 and July 12. During each, Tenth Street is to be closed from Delta Avenue to the alley north of the Rialto Center.

– Residents of Tipperary Road voiced concerns about safety on the trail in their neighborhood, which is supposed to be non-motorized but frequently gets motorized traffic, speedy and careless, they said. Public Safety is on it, and Buckman said that new signs have been ordered and should be installed soon.

РDuring public comment, Bonnie Hakkala, Barbie Clairmont and a couple other people concerned about constitutional rights referenced the U.S. Constitution and maxims of law. “The people are sovereign,” Clairmont said.