APPARENTLY ROME will, over the next year and moving at the glacial speed at which it addresses topics its leaders fear as controversial, be exploring the notion of creating an “entertainment district.” That would be a specific area, logically on or very near Broad Street, where nightlife is given more freedom than at present. One supposes that means a short leash instead of the current use of chain-wrapping reserved for serial killers.

City leaders are quite correct in saying that defining what such a district would be is the first step, with identifying a location then coming thereafter.

They clearly need a bit of help with both.

First of all, it is not or should not be something akin to Boston’s former “Combat Zone” of strip joints and rent-by-the-hour rooms. Nobody has ever suggested such a thing and “Girls Gone Wild” would be the ultimate boredom in a let-it-all-hang-out “adult entertainment” district that emphasizes the “adult.” Rather, what should be talked about is an entertainment district for grownups.

Neither is it what Mayor Wright Bagby describes: “I think of entertainment as a good meal and some music; somebody else’s definition might be different.” Err, yes, Mr. Mayor, different is a good bet for most even in this community. That description is of an upscale chef-owned restaurant with a wandering violinist playing classical tunes and customers paying the bill with a gold card. Getting enough customers to assure a profit in most towns is more likely to mean boiled peanuts, beer, banjos and sweaty dollars slapped on the counter.

NOT ONLY that but an inviting entertainment area attractive to upper, middle and lower classes usually involves a concentration of a variety of cuisines and alcoholic beverages, nowadays often with an on-site brewery, live music of different styles, a sprinkling of art galleries and eclectic shops, a theater/concert venue or two and perhaps a movie house showing foreign films ... or “Little Shop of Horrors.”

It should, let’s all agree, be a safe place for both residents and visitors with strong police vigilance but not strong morality judgments. It should be sufficiently distant from dwellings so as not to annoy neighbors, as now does occur on Broad Street itself. It should also be open most of time and known to always be available — not 24/7 perhaps but hopping between, say, 10 in the morning until 4 the next morning.

As for “where” that’s not necessarily difficult either. Carve out an area within strolling distance of the Broad Street core and “open it up,” so to speak, and it will fill itself up rather quickly. Existing nightlife providers are probably as eager to get away from trouble, of the officious sort, as neighbors are eager to restore their peace and quiet.

Just dropping the 50/50 food/alcohol ratio in such a limited zone would be a huge enticement to investors. Really now, would any superstore have come to Rome if required to have a 50/50 ratio between food sales and clothing/electronics? Or even a 50/50 dollar ratio between the beer and wine they sell and their sales of milk and soda?

THERE ARE actually several such potential entertainment district venues existing. One that comes to mind seems just about perfect.

About two square city blocks, just the right size — not too big, not too small. Much the same old-timey look and feel as Broad Street itself. Existing buildings either underused or vacant. Easy parking and not difficult to add more. Back alley access for trash/recycling pickup. Ridiculously easy for police to keep an eye on. No owner-occupied homes within shouting distance. Within strolling distance of all existing downtown-area lodging.

That list of attributes, by the way, deals with pretty much every existing objection/concern currently voiced by those looking into the possibility. And if they can’t figure out from our description where this might be ... well, then they’re not very savvy about the community they want to make the rules for.

To be sure, the area in question — and all the rest that could fall under consideration — would require some hefty investment for remodeling. Based on what’s already occurred on Broad Street there appear ample entrepreneurs willing to put their money where the opportunity is.

FIRST, OF COURSE, Rome’s leaders will have to create that opportunity by relaxing current standards dating back to, if not the Victorian era, then at least pre-Elvis Presley times.

It would also be quite rewarding if what resulted were something not simply identical to all the other entertainment districts that can be found in most metropolitan areas, which are often quite the same. The ones that really shine are somehow “special” and built around a particular flavor.

The New Orleans French Quarter has it. Even Athens has it. What if, just as Beale Street in Memphis is a magnet for lovers of the blues (and the French Quarter for jazz) that Rome’s future district were known for something like bluegrass?

Assuming city leaders remain nervous even about an entertainment district without pole dancers, an additional element is worth their consideration. There’s a lot of tax revenue in such zones — not only in alcohol and sales taxes but also in higher property tax bills. There’s employment going to be provided as well, and a lot more reason for tourists coming to town for other things to spend even more of their money.

ROME’S REALLY a great place to live in so many ways. About all it needs is to loosen the top collar button on its hair shirt and allow those who dwell or visit here, if they so desire, to have a bit of fun.