CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The City of Concord approved a new social district at the Concord City Council meeting Thursday night.
Andrew Angel, owner of Cellar Door Wine Shop in downtown Concord, said his business opened up a week ago and knew what he was signing up for when he picked the location.
"We’ve been walking town and saying ‘You know what this town really needs," Angel said. "Pedestrian-friendly restaurants out on the sidewalk. It made sense to ask … Will there be a social district?"
Fast forward a few months, and Angel's prediction came true. On Thursday, the Concord City Council unanimously approved a social district.
At the meeting, some said it was hard to believe while others said it's a great addition for Concord.
People are hoping the social district will have a positive impact on the downtown area and give people a reason to come to the area, while others have safety concerns about intoxicated people.
Concord leaders said there will be the following rules around the new social district:
- Businesses will have to register with the City if they want to participate.
- There will be a standard cup businesses must use.
- People must stay in bounds.
City leaders told WCNC Charlotte's Austin Walker they have been working with Concord Police on how to keep people safe.
Leaders also laid out the steps that need to happen in creating the social district:
- Work will continue on developing the required cups and stickers to coincide with the social district branding.
- The city also has to design the signage as required by the newly adopted ordinance.
- City staff will also be working with downtown businesses to ensure they understand the social district parameters and what is required of them to opt in or opt out of participating.
The construction in downtown to set to wrap up by July of 2024 and the social district is set to open in August.
Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.