PIQUA — City leaders have submitted an application to establish a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area for parts of downtown Piqua.
>>Miamisburg becomes latest Miami Valley city to add a DORA
Last week, the DORA application was submitted by City Manager Paul Oberdorfer to city commissioners with the goal “to promote the appeal of visiting or living in a walkable and attractive downtown environment,” a city spokesperson said in a media release Tuesday.
The DORA would allow for alcoholic beverages to be served, in an approved cup from a licensed liquor establishment, and patrons would be permitted to leave the business and continue to consume to drink within the boundaries of the DORA.
The DORA would include the city’s central business district area, bordered by North, Spring, Wood, and Wayne streets and extending west to Water Street and Roosevelt Avenue, the spokesperson said.
“Having a DORA will enhance visitors experience and provide a greater opportunity to support local businesses while enjoying public art, architecture and streetscape in downtown Piqua,” Lorna Swisher, Executive Director of Mainstreet Piqua said in the release.
Before approval and implementation, residents can submit questions and concerns on an online forum, found on the city’s website for the project, ahead of a town hall with city commissioners on the project July 7, according to the city spokesperson.
City commissioners will vote on the application during their meeting Aug. 3. If approved, the DORA would enter a 90 day trial period in September before full implementation.
“During the trial period the activity and effects produced by the adoption of the DORA will be monitored and reviewed. At the conclusion of the trial period the findings will be reviewed by City Commission and the DORA will be modified as deemed necessary to meet the best interest of the community,” the spokesperson said.
“Creating an attractive place and encouraging a vibe in the downtown area that makes people want to be there is vital to supporting local business and attracting new investment to the community,” stated Community and Economic Development Director, Chris Schmiesing
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