Elon’s Town Council hosted their first meeting of April, where they unanimously decided on the permanent extension of the social district boundaries.
The decision added North Holt Avenue and West College Avenue to the footprint of the social district, allowing patrons to utilize the Holt Avenue green space as a location to enjoy alcoholic beverages. It also opens the sidewalks up as a means of travel from North Holt Avenue to West College Avenue.
Elon councilmember Randy Orwig thanked Downtown Development Director Jill Weston for including a clear green space in her presentation, even when there are no vendors in the listed space.
“I feel like we are providing plenty of opportunities for people to sit and enjoy food with an open cup,” Orwig said. “I think this will make a nice social district.”
As noted in Weston’s presentation, the green space does not include the West College Avenue parking lot, which brought up concerns of the concept of potential gathering in parking spots with alcoholic beverages.
According to Weston, Elon Police Chief Kelly Blackwelder has said on multiple occasions that there have been no problems related to the district boundaries; but if problems arise, then the council would have to hold a public hearing to include the parking lot in the social district.
“If it becomes a big issue, then we will do it,” councilmember Quinn Ray said. “But I would prefer we stay on the side of no alcohol in the parking lot.”
The decision also allows staff to provide alcohol vendors during special events and festivals within greenspace without requiring a special permit and temporary expansion for each event. The social district has been permanently expanded year-round.
The town council will meet next on Monday, April 15 to debate the 2025 proposed budget.