Mayor Grayson Vandegrift raised, for a preliminary discussion, the concept of expanding the city’s Entertainment Destination Center (EDC) from the core downtown to include Gratz Street up to E. Bruen, down to N. Winter Street and then back to Main Street.
An EDC is a designated economic development and social district, nicknamed a “sip and stroll” zone, where patrons can legally purchase alcoholic beverages in specialized, branded cups from licensed local vendors and carry them within defined public and commercial boundaries. They are created by a city ordinance and regulated by the State Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC).
Vandegrift made it clear he was just raising the issue, checking with impacted residents and businesses, and bringing back a proposed ordinance for the council to discuss and make a decision on. He said he would like to get a decision prior to spring when outdoor tourism and activity picks back up.
A catalyst for the issue is the new Bruen Bunker in the old Midway Firehouse, which is a bar that offers simulated golf. Already, most downtown businesses are in the EDC, and “sip and stroll” is allowed during certain business hours from licensed establishments or licensed vendors during festivals.
Councilmember Logan Nance suggested to not include N. Winter Street in the EDC because it’s busy and could cause confusion as to where on the street the EDC would begin.
Councilmember Kay Nita Gallagher expressed concern that there could be residents on Bruen Street who could have concerns about being included in the EDC, and Vandegrift said that, as part of the work, those views would be sought.
Vandegrift said he had spoken with the ABC, and that the only thing needed, aside from an amended ordinance, is new signage clearly demarcating the boundaries of the EDC.
Ordinance on Old EMS station
The council approved the second reading of an ordinance rezoning the property on which the former EMS Station was located from R-1B (low density single-family residential) to B-5 (highway interchange service) on Leestown Pike. The property is owned by Woodford County, which plans to sell it, and the new zone will make it more marketable.