DAYTON — Dayton’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area could soon expand its boundaries to cover a much larger downtown area.
The Downtown Dayton Partnership (DDP) submitted a petition and application to the City of Dayton Department of Planning, Neighborhoods, & Development and the City Manager for approval to expand the Dayton Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA).
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In the submitted petition, DDP asks to dissolve the current DORA and create a new one. DORA operates seven days a week from noon to midnight except for St. Particks Day and the annual Hauntfest when DORA is not in effect.
“The proposed DORA district is roughly bounded by Wilkinson Street to the west (with Main Street as the boundary south of Sixth Street), the Great Miami River to the north (with First Street as the boundary east of Webster Street), Keowee Street to the east (with Webster Street as the boundary north of First Street), and Sixth Street to the south (with some areas stretching as far south as Washington Street and Jones/Bainbridge Street),” the submitted petition said of the newly proposed boundaries of DORA.
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The City of Dayton Police Chief and the Dayton Department of Fire Director and Chief have signed off on the proposed district, citing that no additional security is needed and will not impact fire or emergency medical services.
Additional public safety measures in place include beverages that must be consumed from an official DORA-branded cup and stay within the designated boundaries with posted signage, to name a few.
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“We look forward to seeing the project’s growth and continued success. It is also my hope that the reciprocal partnership between the DDP, ODBA, the OHDS and other stakeholders contiunes as it has as we work to identify ways to improve and facilitate the downtown experience,” Andy Rowe, President of Oregon District Business Association, said in a letter of support.
It is unknown of the timeline of when the City of Dayton Department of Planning, Neighborhoods, & Development and the City Manager will review the petition and application.