Laconia first in state to approve social districts

LACONIA — In a strong show of support, the city council voted 6-0 Monday night to approve the state’s first social district, and opening day is slated for Memorial Day Weekend.

There was a brief discussion regarding management and maintenance of the social district at the meeting, which will continue at the next council meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, May 11. 

After the vote, Mayor Mike Bordes uttered one word: “Perfect.”

Defined as a designated, municipality-approved outdoor area where folks can meander with open containers so long as they’re purchased from licensed liquor sellers, leaders hope foot traffic will increase downtown.

The hours of the social district are from noon to 8 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays. The zone encompasses the areas of Main Street from Pedestrian Way to Veterans Square, not crossing the intersection, to include Hanover and Canal streets, and on the Pleasant Street side to the Bank of New Hampshire parking lot. Then Pleasant from that area down to Main, and the parking lots between Main and Pleasant.

“This is responsible, forward‑looking economic development and it puts Laconia out front as the first community in the state to do it,” Bordes wrote in a Facebook post following the meeting. “Laconia leads. Others will follow.”

There was brief concern about police detail, as the financial kinks have yet to be worked out. Police Chief Matt Canfield will be at the next council meeting to answer questions. He was not in attendance on Monday.

“One of the fiscal responsibilities of this is if we’re going to have a police detail at that, and what that looks like for hours amount during the year; cost, all that,” said City Manager Kirk Beattie during discussion. “I think everyone’s pretty happy with it.”

There were no public comments about the social district at the meeting, although locals have taken to Facebook to share their support, including the primary sponsor of the original state bill which made it possible, Rep. Bill Boyd (R-Hillsborough).

“As the prime sponsor of this bill, I am so thrilled for the City of Laconia!! This will be a huge opportunity to promote the downtown and bring an entrepreneurial spirit into the district while promoting and expanding economic development and freedom,” Boyd wrote. “This will be a huge boost to the center of Laconia!! I will be heading north for the ribbon cutting!”

•••

Katlyn Proctor can be reached at katlyn@laconiadailysun.com or by calling 603-524-0150.