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Resident voices safety and noise concerns as Green Bay council advances designated outdoor refreshment area
Summary
The council opened the floor on a draft ordinance to create a designated outdoor refreshment area along the riverwalk and advanced the item after a public comment urging neighborhood meetings and safety outreach; councilors committed to business and resident engagement before rollout.
The Green Bay Common Council opened the floor March 3 for a draft ordinance to create a designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA) near the riverwalk and advanced the item for a second reading after a resident raised safety and noise concerns.
Kristen Johnson, who identified herself as a resident of the Metro Apartments at 115 East Walnut Street, told the council the DORA could be disruptive because it would sit outside her bedroom window. "I worry that 10:00 is maybe too late," she said, and asked the council to ensure clear rules on times, trash control and traffic safety at Walnut and Washington after recounting a prior pedestrian crash in the area.
Alder Prophet said he has been in touch with Johnson and offered to convene a neighborhood meeting; he also said he'll coordinate with Downtown Green Bay Inc. and business owners to distribute information about how the program will work. Council members and staff said the city will provide informational materials and consider safety strategies such as including the topic in a May safety summit for businesses.
After closing the floor to public comment, the council approved the item to advance (voice vote) and directed staff and council members to hold neighborhood and business outreach before the ordinance's final adoption. Officials said the program is expected to roll out this summer pending additional meetings and the second reading.
