Social district approved for Brooklyn Arts District; businesses react
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) — The Brooklyn Arts District along 4th Street in Wilmington is home to more than 20 small businesses from breweries and bakeries to salons, pizzerias and residences.
For the past year, local businesses have worked to establish a social district. Alex White, the owner of Pizzeria Don Luca said the push was about helping the area flourish.
“This is a great way to bolster local business and get people to discover what the Brooklyn Arts District has to offer,” White said.
In February, the area tested the idea of a social district. White said the traffic was unlike anything they’d seen before.
“We don’t sell alcohol and it was the three busiest days we’ve ever had at Don Luca,” White said.
City council voted 5-2 on Tuesday night to approve the new social district. The decision came with some push back as two council members raised concerns about parking and the focus on alcohol.
“There’s a lot of folks in the community that are worried about the effects, but we all live and work in this neighborhood and we care about it and that’s the last thing we want is to be, to have a negative impact on our community,” White said.
Dalisay Salon is among the participating businesses and stylist Lauren Hausch said the social district is about more than just drinks.
“I don’t think there was ever any part of it that made it uncomfortable for a family because it wasn’t just alcohol-focused it was community-focused, meeting new people listening to music, vendors were out, everybody was having a good time,” Hausch said.
The city has asked the district to put up signs to show the boundaries and to require participants to use a souvenir cups for drinking outside. The social district will take place the first and third Saturday of the month, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. for a six month trial period and after that, Mayor Bill Saffo has asked staff to review the results.
“If you’re looking for somewhere to cause trouble, don’t come because we don’t stand for it, but I’m beyond excited and grateful to be a part of the Brooklyn Arts District and the positive change that’s happening in Wilmington,” White said.
