During the recent Town of Aberdeen Board work session held on Monday, the board heard a 9-month review of the Downtown Social District.
Since its implementation in February, the Social District has reportedly boosted foot traffic and helped the downtown Aberdeen scene to thrive. The Downtown Aberdeen Social District is a designated zone that allows patrons to buy alcoholic drinks from approved businesses and carry them while strolling through the downtown area within the marked boundaries.
Report on Aberdeen’s Social District
A discussion about the success of downtown focused on the positive impact of the Social District and broader signs of economic and community vitality. Downtown Planner Lindy Lamielle was present to recount the district’s success and answer questions.
Highlights from Lamielle’s review include:
• No police incidents reported since its launch in February, which was an initial concern.
• Businesses and visitors have responded positively.
• The Downtown Advisory Board proposed expanding hours to 7 days a week (currently limited to Thursday through Sunday).
• Reports from business owners point to increased sales and higher foot traffic, which shows consistent growth.
“There’s been an incremental increase in foot traffic coming back into downtown that we have documented from foot traffic analysis; that’s basically tracking cell phone movements in and out of downtown and where they’re going, what businesses they’re going in, how long they’re staying there,” explained Lamielle. “We’re also seeing a huge spike in foot traffic during all of our downtown events, [and] some of them are actually largely driven by the food and beverage establishments.”
While the downtown social district has been largely successful, overflowing trash receptacles have been reported, particularly during weekends and special events. This issue is most prominent in high-traffic areas.
Lamielle acknowledged the importance of maintaining cleanliness to support the district’s positive image. She assured the board that the Downtown Aberdeen Advisory Board is aware of the issue and is looking for solutions, including changing the dates and times of trash collection.
“All things considered, it has been a well-managed and implemented social district,” shared Lamielle.
Additionally, the advisory board has proposed expanding the district’s operating hours. Currently limited to Thursday through Sunday, the suggested change would allow the district to operate seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. This suggestion comes following positive input from business owners and patrons alike.
“There’s sometimes confusion with patrons on what day it is, what day of the week it is, what time of the week it is, and [this would] make it a bit more streamlined,” suggested Lamielle. “So, no matter what day, the hours would be consistent. That was really the biggest request to be considered.”
While no final decision has been made, the proposal is under consideration and will be reviewed by the appropriate boards before any changes are implemented.
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~ Written by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
Photo via Town of Aberdeen.
