Social Zones in Downtown? Yes? No? How Was It?

This past weekend, beginning Friday in downtown Grand Rapids, some of the restaurant row roads were blocked off so that eateries and bars could expand their seating to safely serve more customers. Sounds like a good idea, right? So, how did it go?

Since capacity is limited to 50% of indoor seating, the Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc., has been working over a new idea of letting restaurants and bars to expand outside, where, in the summer, it's deemed safer. So, several roadways in downtown were blocked off in an effort to give businesses in the area more space.

Fox17 reported that there are currently 4 zones blocked off around the downtown area. Monroe Center, Ionia Street, just south of Fulton, Bridge Street and Monroe North.

What did people think? Well, Friday and Saturday were the hottest days of the year so far  but people were already out enjoying everything Friday afternoon. I haven't heard how Friday night and Saturday went, but with the beautiful weather without rain, and everyone's need to get back out and enjoy downtown, I'm pretty sure, for the first weekend, it was a success.

People were saying "I loved it," and "is't so great to sit out on a patio where it doesn't get too crowded.

The organizers know that there are many different ideas out there, so they're going to let them happen so that they can develop what the best practices are to make sure everyone stays safe.

They plan to keep the zones in place until the end of November.