GLADSTONE — The Gladstone City Commission discussed the potential social district — an area for allowing outdoor public consumption of alcoholic beverages — that has been suggested within the city at its meeting Monday.

In the exploratory stages at the moment, there are not yet confirmed boundaries, but the proposed region is along Delta Avenue between 11th and 8th Streets. In that area are a handful of purveyors of adult beverages — including Saunders Point Brewing, Wally’s, Dewdrop Family Restaurant and the American Legion — and other businesses like Superbloom Coffee House, Great Lakes First Federal Credit Union and Gladstone Dairy Flo.

A survey on the city website is asking for community feedback to gauge whether the district is worth pursuing. Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Coordinator Patricia West said that about 80% of respondees so far have been in support, 10% have been against, but some people — about 10% — are unsure about the question and feel more information is needed.

If a social district were to be created, as per Michigan law, only licensed establishments within the district could serve alcohol, and they must be in specially-marked containers not made of glass and not over 16 ounces. While drinks are allowed in the common area — such as along the sidewalk — they would not be permitted inside non-licensed establishments. For example, a person could not buy a beer from Saunders Point and carry it into Old Glory Firearms, even if Old Glory’s storefront was within the district. The roadway would not be included unless a special event is in progress.

Some supporters have offered useful insight and feedback through the survey.

“The American Legion is included in the proposed boundary, but they made a suggestion of expanding the boundary to allow consumption within the Veteran Memorial Park across the street from their building,” West said. “This highlights the importance of gathering community feedback–it brings forward unique ideas and perspectives that help shape the conversation and ensure the district reflects the needs and interests of our community members.”

Jake Mills, founder of Saunders Point Brewing, said that he’d like to see an extended corridor reach down to the marina and beach house area, and cited Negaunee as a community with a social district similar to what he hopes will form in Gladstone.

In Negaunee, the social district’s common area is irregularly-shaped, including all of Iron Street, portions of others, and Jackson Mine Park. Their hours of operation are noon to midnight seven days a week. In Marquette, the downtown social district is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

During Monday’s meeting in Gladstone, Mayor Joe Thompson also mentioned the possibility of extending a district to the waterfront.

“I think that could be a little bit of a complication … maybe times of the year would have to be governed, being that that goes right past the junior high and the elementary school,” Commissioner Steve O’Driscoll warned.

However, he noted that a social district could be a good thing for the “sleepy little town” of Gladstone, referring to it as a “bedroom community.”

O’Driscoll continued, “A little socializing is usually not a bad thing in moderation.”

Local resident and business owner Steve Viau, formerly a Delta County Commissioner and a Gladstone City Commissioner before that, said that it would behoove the community to support measures that could help Gladstone as a whole, even if it wasn’t in their specific interest. He used his trophy shop as an example, saying that he was unlikely to benefit from a social district.

“If somebody wants a social district because they run a bar or a brewery — if I don’t support them, how do I expect them to support me?” Viau asked rhetorically. “If we can help the businesses in the community, any business, I’m in favor for it. …I’ve always supported the unique things that businesses need.”

Again, the city is just seeking feedback at this point to determine whether to pursue a social district.

The survey will be available through the City of Gladstone’s website through January. If enough interest and support is shown, the next step would be to develop a detailed maintenance and management plan to “solidify many of the district’s specifics and include safeguards to enhance oversight and ensure effective enforcement of regulations,” said West, and then present that plan to first the City Commission and then the Michigan Liquor Control Commission for approval.

If anyone wishes to share their opinions but is unable to access the survey on gladstonemi.gov, West encourages them to stop by or call city hall (906-428-2311). Otherwise, they may speak during public comment at a DDA or city commission meeting to place their sentiments on the record.

Other business at this week’s city commission meeting included:

– the reappointments of Bob Bosk, Anne Pfotenhauer and Cathy Sjoquist to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

– the appointment of John DeFiore to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Though he already serves on Gladstone’s Planning Commission, city commissioners and clerk noted there is no rule against a person sitting on both. City Manager Eric Buckman commented on DeFiore’s “interesting resume,” which includes planting trees in Shanghai, China.

– the swearing-in of City Commissioner O’Driscoll for his new term, which recently began following the state certification of the November election.

– as part of the consent agenda, approval to pay a bill of $24,550 to Primus Marketing for 206 electric meters. A previous order for new meters last year ended up being a little short, so this amount is so that the replacements can finished being installed this year.

– a brief update about the ski hall from Buckman. Though a snow-making machine malfunction prevented it from opening on time, it’s possible tube runs will open this weekend — people may expect a formal announcement later in the week.