Gladstone, population 5,257, was the only city in Delta County whose population increased in the most recent census.
Now, folks in this small city near Escanaba in the central U.P. are looking to bolster their community further. They’re inviting residents and businesses to weigh in on the possibility of creating a social district — a designated area where residents and visitors can enjoy alcoholic beverages purchased from participating businesses within a communal, outdoor space.
To assure residents and the business community have a chance to shape the direction of this prospect, the Downtown Development Association is gathering public input.
“We are genuinely hoping to gauge the public’s input and feedback on this initiative to guide our decisions,” says Patricia West, the city’s Downtown Development Authority director.
What’s happening: Gladstone is in the exploratory phase of creating a social district with a proposed boundary stretching along Delta Avenue from 8th to 11th streets, including Farmers Market Square. No decisions have been made yet, West emphasizes, and community feedback is vital to shaping the initiative.
The survey: That feedback is being sought through an online
survey through January. The survey can be quick and easy — it can take as little as 30 seconds — or longer, depending on how thoughtful or detailed participants desire in sharing their thoughts, West says. Participants are encouraged to share the survey link with anyone else who might want to offer input.
About social districts: Social districts, authorized by Michigan law in 2020, allow communities to designate specific areas where beverages purchased from licensed establishments can be enjoyed outdoors. Drinks must be served in special marked cups, and district boundaries are clearly defined and maintained.
Social districts were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to support local businesses and provide safe, outdoor gathering spaces. They’ve since become
popular across Michigan, enhancing downtown atmospheres and encouraging tourism.
Local governments have established social districts in many communities across the state. In the U.P., social districts were established in Marquette, Negaunee, Iron Mountain, Houghton, St. Ignace, Iron Mountain and Manistique, according to a January report by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.
In Gladstone: Within the proposed boundary in Gladstone, five businesses would initially be eligible to apply to participate in the municipal program with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. While this doesn’t guarantee all of them will choose to participate, West says, it represents the number of businesses that meet the eligibility criteria.
The proposed boundaries encompass the heart of downtown Gladstone, covering a three-block area that is easily walkable within the business district. While these boundaries are not finalized, the Downtown Development Authority felt they provided a strong starting point for discussions.
Social district
regulations vary by community. If Gladstone moves forward with this initiative, the DDA would create a maintenance and management plan to define specific hours of operation and include safeguards for city oversight and enforcement.
The safeguards would allow the DDA to temporarily suspend the district for other initiatives, such as trick-or-treating or youth-oriented events. Gathering community feedback is an essential step in this process to ensure the plan addresses concerns and aligns with the community’s needs.
Potential economic impact: Implementing a social district could have a significant positive impact on Gladstone's economy. “Social districts foster a sense of community and promote placemaking, encouraging residents and visitors to spend more time downtown,” West says. “This extended foot traffic supports local businesses and could stimulate the sale and redevelopment of underutilized or vacant commercial properties in our downtown.”
Across Michigan, communities have pointed out that social districts provide many benefits. They help promote economic activity and support local businesses, encourage community gatherings in safe, common spaces, helping bring business downtown. A thriving social district enhances a city’s appeal — to both current residents and prospective business owners, showcasing the city as a lively and dynamic community.
What’s next: The DDA will accept feedback through the end of January. Once the survey responses are reviewed, West says, “we will assess whether to proceed with the initiative and formally present it to the City Commission.” If that happens and the proposal is approved, the goal would be to launch the social district by fall 2025. “This timeline allows sufficient time to budget for overhead costs, develop a comprehensive maintenance plan, and provide education for participating businesses and the public,” West says.
Rosemary Parker has worked as a writer and editor for more than 40 years. She is a regular contributor to UPword Michigan, Rural Innovation Exchange and other Issue Media Group publications.