KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Officials and businesses in Kalamazoo are hoping to have approval early next next month from the State of Michigan for the expansion of the Central Commons Refreshment Area within downtown Kalamazoo’s outdoor social district.
The Kalamazoo City Commission this past week approved the expansion. The Central Commons Refreshment Area allows customers to purchase alcoholic beverages from adjacent, licensed establishments and shop, sit outside, or walk around, as long as they remain within the commons area.
Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership President Andrew Haan says on the heels of the state announcement that requires downtown restaurants to close indoor dining, the expansion of the commons area is even more important.
Twenty businesses were eligible in the original commons area approved in August, and the November 16 action by the City Commission allows 13 additional businesses to participate, pending approval from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC).
The added eligible businesses include 600 Kitchen and Bar, Bell’s Brewery, Food Dance, HopCat, Kalamazoo Beer Exchange, Kalamazoo Hotel Partners, Maru Sushi, Old Dog Tavern, Park Club, Saugatuck Brewing Company, Shakespeare’s Pub, Tin Can Bar, and Water Street Coffee Joint.
Haan says the expansion also allows patrons to walk farther distances with their drink. He says that means that during the holiday season, they can enjoy walking through more holiday lighting and decorations, and storefront holiday displays.
Approval from MLCC is expected by early December.
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