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Residents press council on proposed downtown 'social district'; chamber to host May 20 forum
Summary
Public commenters and council members debated a proposed downtown social (formerly "entertainment") district, raising concerns about noise, open-container rules and whether the matter should go to a citywide vote. Chamber and proponents will host a public forum May 20 at the Ozarks Convention Center.
Residents and business owners urged council members to seek broader public input before deciding whether to create a downtown social district that would allow open-container alcohol in parts of the city.
Mel Shipley, speaking during public comment, said the measure would turn downtown "into a party zone" and warned it would change the tenant mix and harm shops that rely on an arts-oriented ambiance. "It becomes a party zone," Shipley said, adding that he has spoken to downtown shop owners who oppose the proposal.
Laya Allison, a property and business owner, asked how the issue can be placed on the ballot and said residents "deserve a little bit more feedback from the council." She urged the council to let the public vote citywide rather than have the council decide alone and asked for clear explanations of pros, costs and benefits.
An unnamed presenter briefed the council that the chamber will present the working draft to the downtown merchants network and host a public forum on May 20 at the Ozarks Convention Center for stakeholders to review the working draft and provide feedback. The presenter said Carol County Clerk's Office staff told them the certification deadline for municipal ballot matters is August 20, which the speaker said leaves time for public engagement.
Council comments reflected a range of views. One council member urged residents to attend the May 20 forum and keep an open mind; another warned that previous ballots on the issue had failed and cautioned against combining the social-district question with the sales-tax and bond questions because it could prompt voters to reject all items at once. Concerns raised by council members included enforcement, underage drinking and whether additional law-enforcement resources would be required if the district is approved.
Next step: The chamber-hosted forum is scheduled for May 20 at the Ozarks Convention Center; council members added the social-district working draft to a future agenda for presentation and discussion.
