Chalk up another victory for the hospitality industry in Berrien County. At last night’s Buchanan City Commission meeting, City Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a Social District as presented by Community Development Director, Richard Murphy. With that vote, Buchanan joins other Southwest Michigan communities including Niles, Bridgman, and St. Joseph in creating a walkable social district for their community.
City Commissioner Patrick Swem says, “We’ve been discussing the possibility of doing a social district for an extended period of time, being able to move forward with the application process is something that we are all excited for.”
With their recent accolades of being named Reader’s Digest Nicest Place in America, Buchanan continues to build on the momentum and spotlight that has been placed on the community as a welcoming place to live, work, and do businesses. Murphy says, “Looking beyond the economic impact that the social district can bring to our businesses, the social district also provides a different and unique way of experiencing the Redbud City.”
Having worked closely with the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and Buchanan Police Chief Tim Ganus, Murphy was able to construct a map that ties in the trail system that is found through downtown Buchanan, as well as a large section of downtown businesses and two common areas including the McCoy Duck Pond and the Buchanan Common. Murphy notes, “By including the McCoy Duck Pond as well as the Buchanan Common, where we hold multiple concerts and events, it provides additional places for groups to gather and enjoy, especially for families who might not feel comfortable being inside a restaurant yet. It was also imperative that Chief Ganus felt the social district boundaries were ones that he was comfortable with in terms of a safety perspective.”
The official boundaries for the social district will run north and south of Front Street between Red Bud Trail and Main Street on the north, and Days Avenue and S. Oak Street to the south. Potential licensees include Lehman’s Orchard, B & W Olde Village Inn, and McCoy Creek Tavern.
The next step will be formally submitting the paperwork with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) for approval then opening the application process for the three potential licensees inside the district to apply.
