The City of East Grand Rapids welcomes West Michigan to its new social district in the Gaslight Village business district, Regatta Plaza and Johns Collins Park.
The new social district enables individuals 21 and older to consume alcoholic beverages sold by qualified Gaslight Village establishments within the designated social zone, which includes:
- Wealthy Street SE from Lovett Avenue to Lakeside Drive, excluding the sidewalk in front of East Grand Rapids High School and Memorial Field on the south side of the street.
- Croswell Avenue from Big Bob’s Pizza to Wealthy Street.
- Bagley Avenue from Crazy Charlie’s to Wealthy Street.
- Lakeside Drive from Wealthy Street to the north end of John Collins Park.
- Regatta Plaza on Wealthy Street in the heart of Gaslight Village.
“We are thrilled to add a social district to East Grand Rapids and enhance our standing as a premier destination for community members and visitors,” East Grand Rapids Mayor Katie Favale said. “Gaslight Village has been growing and welcoming new businesses over the past few years, and this new social district offers yet another wonderful amenity to the visitor experience.”
Alcoholic beverages can be purchased from participating businesses and consumed in the social district 11 a.m.-10 p.m. during the summer season, which will run the first Monday after the end of the East Grand Rapids Public Schools academic year in June through the first Sunday before the start of the next school year in August. Beverages will be sold in approved cups with a branded East Grand Rapids social district sticker.
During the school year, drinks can be purchased and consumed in the social district 4-10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Individuals cannot bring or consume outside beverages – all beverages must be purchased from participating establishments within the social district during hours of operation.
The social district was approved by the East Grand Rapids City Commission during its July 17 meeting.
“This is an exciting time for Gaslight Village and East Grand Rapids,” said Shannon Schulz, co-president of Gaslight Village Business Association. “The social district will bring a new level of excitement to the area, providing a space for residents to gather, socialize and support local businesses. The GVBA looks forward to working with the City and the community to ensure the social district’s success and Gaslight Village’s continued growth.”