Debate about RO Liquor Licenses Misses the “2nd Story”

The Royal City Commission made a wise choice this week when it approved the transfer of a liquor license that will allow the opening of a new Greek restaurant downtown. Mayor Ellison and his colleagues on the commission correctly pointed out that Royal Oak is in the enviable position of drawing visitors from a large area across SE Michigan, which means that the state’s quota of 40, which is based only on the City’s population, is too low and needlessly prevents new investment and jobs from coming into downtown Royal Oak. My friend and campaign supporter, Professor Jeff Horner of Wayne State, in this week’s RO Review supported the state’s quota system and pointed out that downtown’s need to attract high revenue office space.  

What’s missing in this discussion is the fact that Royal Oak along with other cool downtowns around the country is leading a growing 2^nd story office space trend, where high tech firms and other entrepreneurs are choosing the upstairs of urbane spots like Royal Oak because of their vibrant mix of retail and dining.  Let’s reject the false dichotomy between entertainment and office and recognize that growing Royal Oak means fostering both with reason and care.

Royal Oak Review Artcle

Article in Metromode on RO's Emerging 2nd Story

Facts about the Issue