Downtown business coalition withdraws support for proposed Loomis ‘Sip and Stroll’ entertainment zone

A coalition of Loomis business owners has formally withdrawn support for a proposed ‘Loomis Sip and Stroll’ entertainment zone that would allow controlled, downtown walking access to establishments serving alcohol.

The withdrawal was read into the record by Mayor Clark Kretz from a letter signed by Greg Brenning of Loomis Ace Hardware and other downtown operators. The letter said the group’s original intent was to create “a thoughtfully structured sip and stroll experience from Shed to Shed” to support local businesses and enliven historic downtown, but that “the level of division that ultimately emerged was greater than anticipated.”

“The community is not aligned around this concept in its current form,” the letter said. It urged residents who expressed concerns to offer constructive alternatives and said the signatories remain committed to balancing downtown character with responsible business growth.

Town staff told the council the entertainment zone idea appears in the planning department’s annual progress report as part of 2025 work, and staff offered to rephrase the report language to clarify that the project is not moving forward in its current form without additional community support. Planning staff said the annual report reflects accomplishments and tasks worked on during 2025 and can be edited for clarity in the 2026 progress report.

No formal action was taken at the meeting. Councilmembers and staff agreed that further public engagement would be necessary before the idea returns to the council.