The downtown Madison retail and market analysis study is slated to be completed by October, according to updates presented at Thursday’s Downtown Coordinating Committee.
The retail study will have a marked impact on the debate surrounding Mayor Paul Soglin’s proposed moratorium on new liquor licenses for State Street. The study will use focus groups from local retail and restaurants, case studies from other cities and eventually produce recommendations to address the committee’s perceived endangerment of retail stores in the downtown area.
The primary concern among Soglin and retailers is the disparity between income potentials for bars and restaurants. Bars have a much easier time netting higher profits, while retail establishments face ever greater competition with online vendors.
Soglin has repeatedly opposed new alcohol licenses in and around State Street, an area he feels would be better served by a predominantly retail composition. Recently, this opposition manifested itself in a fight over Mad City Frites’ beer license last September.
Eating, drinking establishments crowding out retail on State Street, mayor tells committee
Rebecca Cnare, Madison’s city planning and economic development planner, explained the tentative schedule for the retail study slated to begin in May. Once focus groups comprised of 10 to 12 downtown commercial leaders meet through June and July, the program will hold review sessions with the wider community in September.
The DCC will present final recommendations in October, and it remains unclear what form these will take.
The study will also use case studies from other cities where bars and restaurants overrun retail. Gregory Frank, a business member on the committee, proposed Ashville, North Carolina, as a probable case study to inform recommendations.
Cnare also discussed the possibility of incorporating student voices from the School of Human Ecology into the joint meetings to provide input on the future shape of State Street.
The DCC is currently looking for new members to serve on the committee, which meets 5:30 p.m. Thursdays. Students are encouraged to apply here.
