In an effort to promote the Grand River and connect sections of the city’s existing social district, the city commission voted Tuesday to add three new locations to the areas where alcoholic beverages can be consumed in public.
The new sites include Ottawa Avenue from Mason to Walbridge Streets, the westside riverwalk from Bridge Street to 6th Street including the bridge, and the eastside riverwalk from Monroe to Michigan Street.
Mark Miller, Managing Director of Planning and Design with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. explained this will create a loop over and along the Grand River.
“As we begin to build some of these river connections over the course of the next two years, to begin to help activate that and provide some connection to the various pieces and parts of this district today.”
Mayor David LaGrand expressed concerns that expanding the district could create more problems with underage drinking, overuse of alcohol and litter.
‘Historically, alcohol is not an unmixed good and public intoxication is also something communities have always been concerned about.”
Miller explained they addressed similar concerns previously when developing the social district.
“We didn’t’ see an increase or uptick in any of that behavior. We didn’t see in increase even in trash. So I think there was a general comfort level and I think this is just an extension of that.”
Consuming alcohol in the social district is only legal for adults drinking from approved containers purchased at licensed businesses.
