Grosse Ile DDA reviews Macomb Street social district design, cups and vendor rules; state approval timeline discussed

The Grosse Ile Downtown Development Authority discussed design, signage and implementation steps for a proposed Macomb Street social district, focusing on outreach, cups/tickets and the state approval process.

Staff presented a foldable brochure prototype and a logo for the Macomb Street Social District that will appear on signage, cups and social-media communications. The plan calls for a cup bearing the social-district logo on one side and the participating business’s logo on the other; staff said tickets or cup identifiers would show the business of origin (for example, a Lloyd’s-branded ticket) so that enforcement officers can confirm a container’s provenance during events.

Staff said they plan to mail brochures inviting residents to a public meeting at the VFW and to promote the district on social media and at the building department. A study session with the board is anticipated before the DDA sends the social-district application to the state. Staff described the schedule as: reapprove locally, send to the township board in May and submit to the state, with staff anticipating state approval in June or July (timing not guaranteed).

Staff noted that only participating licensed businesses could sell alcohol for carryout into the district; for events, individual vendors must be listed on event applications to the state — there is no blanket vendor approval. Staff also said that a redevelopment liquor license can cost about $20,000, which may affect whether some businesses pursue participation. The DDA identified three current businesses that would qualify immediately if they choose to join: Perdinos, Lloyd’s and Sully’s; the “literary hideaway” (a business referred to in discussion) may qualify depending on its liquor-license timetable.

Chief Carmack (police chief) has reviewed the plan informally, staff said, and supports transparent identification (logo cups/tickets) to help enforcement and public safety. Board members discussed public education (signage listing do’s/don’ts), participant outreach and how the district would be bounded — staff said the plan would end near Nate’s to avoid encroaching on riverfront condos and that Lions Park could be included for events.

Why it matters: A social district changes local rules for open containers within a defined area and affects participating businesses, event vendors and the police. The board emphasized outreach and a clear permitting process so residents and visitors understand the rules and limits.

What’s next: Staff will finalize the brochure and logo, schedule study sessions, coordinate with the police department on outreach and proceed with the township and state application process; vendors and businesses will be required to submit applications and event-specific approvals where appropriate.