Benton Harbor City Commissioners have updated the rules for the city’s new social district, but not without some debate.
At their regular meeting Monday, commissioners were asked to amend the dates of operation for the district, among other things. City Manager Alex Little said the commission was only being asked to correct the ordinance language to reflect its original intent, for the social district to be year-round. However, Commissioner Ethel Clark Griffin would have preferred more restrictions, saying the district is a disturbance to nearby residents.
“Would you want somebody partying and drinking in your backyard every day? People work, some have kids down there. I’m still not with it,” Clark-Griffin said. “And then you come from five months, now you’re talking all year?”
Under the resolution being considered by commissioners, the social district’s hours will be noon to 10 p.m. six days a week, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Clark-Griffin says that’s basically all day, all year.
Commissioner Sharon Henderson said social districts have proven effective since the state started allowing them during the pandemic.
“It allowed them to bring their businesses outdoors, but also it helped to drive tourism in the state of Michigan,” Henderson said. “So as a result of the meaning of the social district, it has helped to improve the economy within cities, specifically in Michigan.”
Social districts allow alcoholic beverages purchased within them to be carried around outdoors within the district’s boundaries as long as the drinks in specially-designated containers.
Benton Harbor’s social district, approved in May, covers the Arts District. Henderson said businesses like The Livery have started taking advantage.
Deputy Public Safety Director Michael Clark said the social district has not led to an increase in crime.
Commissioners approved the changes with Clark-Griffin, Emma Kinnard, and Juanita Henry voting no. Monday’s vote also clarified the process for applying to be part of the social district.
