CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – Charlotte City Council voted to establish a social district in Plaza Midwood on Monday night, making it the first in the Queen City.
The vote was not unanimous, having passed 8-2. There are concerns about what walking around with alcohol might mean for Plaza Midwood.
Jason Michel, the Executive Director of Plaza Midwood Merchants Association has been working on the plans for the district. He said now with the city’s approval, the real work begins.
“Now we get to implement the plan and start to onboard the businesses and training and setting up the signing and getting the logistics flowing,” Michel said.
The social district will stretch along Central Avenue from Louise Avenue and 10th Street to Morningside Drive, with different parts branching off into the main commercial area and side streets.
The idea was frowned upon by some during the meeting, worried it could encourage public intoxication.
“It is not a social fun activity to be profited from,” one person said. “It is addiction and substance abuse.”
“The current issues that we are seeing in uptown Charlotte regarding drunkenness, regarding individuals that are in the parking decks causing harassment at a number of the restaurants. Why are we having? Why is this even before us tonight?” Councilmember Lawana Mayfield asked.
Michel stated they will be making sure to address the concerns.
“Those are concerns that people have had,” he said. “I think the comments from the council around the fact that this is such a community-driven thing. There’s gonna be constant monitoring. I do think that people will be surprised at how well the area is maintained and the positive behaviors create a positive environment.”
Michel said as of now, there is no set date on when the social district will officially launch, but there are plans to do a soft roll-out within the coming months.
The social district is planned to run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
Related: Push to create social districts in Charlotte continues, City Council to hear presentation
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