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Council expands downtown social district to DDA boundaries, excludes school frontage
Summary
Council approved an expansion of the downtown social district to cover most of the DDA area (with a carve‑out near the school). Staff said signage and clear commons‑area delineation would be used to manage boundaries and enforce no‑alcohol zones.
The Berkeley City Council voted to expand the city’s social district to align largely with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) boundaries, while excluding the school property frontage to avoid alcohol near the campus.
City staff explained the proposal responds to requests from several downtown businesses on Coolidge and would require an updated map and changes to the maintenance and operations plan submitted to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). The expansion would enable interested restaurants to participate after individual approvals.
Council members and staff discussed boundary signage, the delineation of a "commons" area where patrons may congregate with beverages, and logistics for policing the limits of the district. Staff said signs at district edges and at commons boundaries would state "no alcohol beyond this point" and that the Department of Public Works will place and adjust signs as needed.
Council approved the resolution to expand the district and directed staff to coordinate with the DDA, the MLCC process and affected businesses to implement the change.
