At Monday night’s meeting, Princeton City Council was presented with a proposal for a new Entertainment Destination Center District to boost downtown business, tourism, and nightlife.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Jenny Clark presented council members with a sample ordinance for the proposed Entertainment Destination Center, noting that when she assumed the position, she aimed to focus on economic development and support local businesses in their growth and retention.
click to download audioClark said the Entertainment Destination District is required to be in the community’s tourist district, which she noted Princeton’s downtown historic district is the town’s greatest asset. She said the goal is to attract new restaurants and extend downtown business hours, as the downtown area currently lacks places that are open at night.
click to download audioClark presented background on Entertainment Destination Districts, noting that since the state allowed them in 2016, at least 14 cities have implemented one. She explained the EDC license is managed between Princeton and the state, with cups for the district provided to vendors at cost.
She also outlined the project’s goals.
She shared a map of the proposed EDC area in downtown Princeton.
click to download audioClark said if the Council approves the EDC, signs will clearly mark where people can carry alcoholic beverages within the district.
She also addressed frequently asked questions about the district.
click to download audioOther facts she shared included that only drinks bought within the EDC are allowed, EDC cups cannot be used for personal alcoholic beverage drinks or at other events, and all state and local laws—including public intoxication and disorderly conduct—will be strictly enforced. In addition, alcohol vendors must not serve visibly intoxicated people, and cups must be properly disposed of, with littering strictly prohibited.
She noted that some factors still need further consideration.
click to download audioThe Council did not discuss or take any action.
To hear the full presentation, click on the audio link below:
WPKY’s News Edge will have more from the City Council meeting in the coming days.
