Mishawaka is now in a race to pass an ordinance that would greatly improve the affordability and availability of liquor licenses in the city.
The Redevelopment Commission is set to consider a resolution Monday that would expand the boundaries of its existing Riverfront District along the St. Joseph River to the full 1,500 feet allowed by the state on both sides of the river.
At the same time, it hopes to create a similar Riverfront District along Juday Creek where it flows through the city.
Both moves could spur more development because restaurants, bars and brewpubs inside the district would be able to buy a liquor license for about $5,000, said Geoff Spiess, city attorney.
Outside the district, it's been estimated that a three-way liquor license can easily go for $200,000.
That's because prices get pushed up when there are only a limited number of licenses in a high-demand area, said Ken Prince, city planner, adding that some restaurants will actually buy an old tavern just to acquire its license. "We're just working under the existing law to provide more flexibility to developers."
But at the same time Mishawaka is working to provide the opportunity for more licenses, the General Assembly is considering legislation that would officially define what it considers a river in such a district. To be considered a river, a body of water would have to be capable of handling a boat with a 3-foot draft.
That's certainly not the case with Juday Creek, but Spiess pointed out that he could find no reference in Indiana law that would eliminate Juday Creek from consideration as a river. "If the state wanted it to be a specific size, the legislature would have defined it,' he said.
It most references, a river is just referred to as a flowing stream.
If the state passes its legislation, the changes would become effective June 30. But Spiess, who said he was unaware of the state proposal, believes the city could beat that deadline and thereby be grandfathered in.