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Waynesville approves permanent downtown social district, adds Watami to boundary
Summary
The council approved a permanent downtown social district (Thurs–Sat, proposed 10 a.m.–9 p.m.) after Downtown Waynesville Commission members described benefits to businesses and tourism; the adopted map was amended to include requested addresses such as Watami.
The Waynesville Town Council on June 23 voted to establish a permanent downtown social district under state law, expanding a temporary program organizers say boosted foot traffic and local business sales.
Beth Gilmore, executive director of the Downtown Waynesville Commission, told the council the group recommends repeating the district Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. "These social districts have been established throughout the state with very little problems, concerns or issues reported," Gilmore said, and the commission agreed to cover initial signage and volunteer policing.
Kurt Nan, a commission member, said temporary social districts doubled some event participation and brought more customers into retail storefronts. Council members discussed voluntary business participation, outreach to businesses newly included on the map, and concerns about making downtown accessible to people who prefer alcohol-free environments. Council members emphasizing balance said the proposed hours leave daytime options for residents who avoid areas with alcohol.
Council amended the proposed boundary to include 33 South Main (Watami) and ask staff to invite other nearby businesses to opt in, then approved the permanent social district by voice vote. The downtown commission said it will hang and maintain signage and coordinate training and self-policing; the council recorded one vocal 'opposed' response during the voice vote but passed the measure as amended.
The approval aims to make the district a regular tool for economic development and tourism promotion while leaving individual businesses free to opt out.
