After pilot year, Rockford looks to extend and expand downtown social district
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
Get our mobile app
ROCKFORD — After an initial test year for a new social district, the city is preparing to extend the program indefinitely and expand the boundaries where you can stroll between businesses with an alcoholic drink.
The social district, sometimes called an entertainment district, encompasses a few blocks downtown east and west of the river. It will expire Oct. 31 unless City Council opts to extend the program.
That sunset clause was put in place last year when the council approved the program so aldermen could evaluate whether it caused any issues.
The program allows you to take your drink to-go when purchased in a designated cup from a participating bar or restaurant. You can then bring it into participating retail stores to sip while you shop.
The city had modeled the program after places such as Raleigh and Greensboro, North Carolina, and Holland, Michigan.
“After one year in operation, we have not received complaints from any businesses related to the social district,” City Attorney Nick Meyer wrote in a memo to aldermen. “We have not seen or heard complaints of increased littering or vagrancy resulting from the program.”
The city said it has received requests from additional businesses to be included, namely Galaxy Salon, Subversive and The Union event space.
City Hall has proposed expanding the boundaries by about two blocks north on each side of the river.
Proposed boundaries
Current boundaries
The new boundaries are meant to encompass more of the walkable areas of downtown and include additional businesses.
“This creates a more natural boundary between Chestnut Street and Jefferson Street north and south,” said Todd Cagnoni, city administrator.
The city also plans to change the hours of operation for the social district, making it 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days per week. Right now, the hours of the district are 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
“We haven’t had any difficulties as a result of the creation of the program,” Cagnoni said. “We do believe that it’s sort of got off to a slow start and we’d like to maximize it a bit further.”
Alderman Chad Tuneberg, whose 3rd Ward includes a portion of downtown, said he is in favor of expanding the boundaries. However, he said he is concerned about the change in hours during the workweek. He said he weighing whether to approve that part of the changes.
On Monday, the City Council’s Code & Regulation Committee voted 3-0 to approve the changes put forward by city administration. It goes to the full City Council for approval next week.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
