Courtesy photo Shown is the logo for the Gladstone social district as it was presented to the city commission on Monday. Social districts are required to have unique logos that must appear on cups distributed by participating establishments. This one was designed to be “on brand” with the general logo for the city that was recently adopted.

GLADSTONE — ​Continuing forward with the process of forming a second social district in Delta County, the State of Michigan approved Gladstone’s management plan for a three-block-wide area along Delta Avenue to allow outdoor consumption of alcoholic beverages from permitted establishments from 4 to 10 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 10 p.m. on weekends.

Though five licensed establishments within the district have the opportunity to participate, only two have decided to submit an application so far.

To become permitted to serve beverages that may be taken into the social district commons area (the sidewalks), an establishment already licensed with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission must apply for an add-on to their license and pay two fees — $70 for an inspection and $250 for the permit. Some business owners may not see the benefit of paying $320 to allow paying customers to leave their premises.

A large argument in support of social districts is that they will increase foot traffic to other area businesses and strengthen downtowns, but many disagree.

“If the city had something in plan, bringing people to the community, that’s what’s going to create the foot traffic, not having alcohol in the streets,” said Amanda Phillips, owner of the Dewdrop Family Restaurant, during a hearing on May 12. She said that her establishment already offers outdoor patio space and live music and doesn’t need to join a social district to provide its customers with an outdoor experience.

The Dewdrop has a liquor license and would have been eligible to apply for the newly-available permit, but Phillips remarked that she is “not in favor because of the extra expense, and I don’t feel that it would actually help me professionally as a business owner.”

Midd Bar and Lounge are the other two licensed establishments in the district that have not submitted applications. There is not an application deadline; unless the district is revoked. the Dewdrop, Midd and/or the Legion will have the opportunity to join later.

The two that are seeking social district permits are Saunders Point Brewing and Wally’s Bar. Both submitted applications that were reviewed by the Gladstone City Commission on Monday and approved to be passed along to the state.

Requirements for social district beverages are that they must be under 16 ounces in non-glass containers marked with two logos — that of the establishment where it was purchased and a logo unique to the social district.

In presenting an update to the City Commission this week, Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Director Patricia West revealed a design for the Grandson social district-specific logo that had been designed by Olivia Capodilupo. It uses some of the same colors, fonts and themes incorporated into the new city logo recently adopted, while remaining distinct.

While it will be up to the city to install signage around the district, it will be the responsibility of the permittees (i.e., Wally’s and Saunders Point) to acquire and supply cups with the two logos to their patrons.

Since the plan seems to have shifted some as people have learned more about social districts — initially, the American Legion had been interested in participating — it is possible that the district’s boundaries or its management plan could be amended. In West’s recent staff report, she requested that if there is a proposal to adjust it, the steering committee that collaborated to develop the plan be invited to participate in the discussion.

Though some citizens — including several who patronize Dance It Up — have expressed apprehension about alcohol being on the streets, there is optimism and excitement around the district.

Saunders Point Brewing Owner Jake Mills is looking forward to the ways a district could enhance events, and has pointed out that it would allow people who don’t drink beer (which Saunders Point serves) to purchase drinks from Wally’s and socialize with brewery patrons in a shared space.

Jessica Cameron, the owner of Gladstone Eye Care, wrote to the DDA to say that it was “a big step toward revitalizing the downtown” and that since Escanaba had approved a social district, Gladstone could miss out on the associated advantages if they did not follow suit.

West mentioned that she sees the potential for various collaborations downtown.

Though the initial timeline projected a start date in autumn 2025, Gladstone could see its social district open by late summer, West reported.