The Kalamazoo City Commission approved a social district within the Northside Cultural Business District, the same framework that exists downtown.
Under state law, a social district creates a defined boundary where patrons can carry open alcoholic beverages between licensed establishments, with specially marked cups required.
The Northside Cultural Business District Authority sought the designation to support local businesses and foot traffic in the same way the downtown district has.
Commissioner Slaby, who moved the item from the consent agenda specifically so it could be explained publicly, noted that many residents don’t know the downtown social district exists and wanted to make sure the north side designation got the visibility it deserved.
