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Planning staff reports broad support for DORA in five‑year review; public hearing set for June 1
Summary
Planning staff told the planning and development committee that a DORA five‑year review survey (173 respondents) showed strong support — 85% of users see benefits and 89% say it helps the community/businesses; a public hearing and second reading are scheduled for June 1 to consider the expansion to the west side.
Planning staff updated the planning and development committee on a five‑year review of the city's Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) and said the city received 173 survey responses.
Jessica presented survey findings, reporting that among respondents who have used the DORA, 85% said they felt it had been a benefit and 89% said it benefited the community and business community overall. On spending time uptown, 64% of respondents said they spent more time in the uptown area because of the DORA, 30% said it made no difference and 6% said it decreased time spent uptown. Jessica said the majority of respondents (93%) identified as community members.
Jessica also reminded the committee that the DORA rules stem from the Department of Commerce liquor control and that participation by businesses is voluntary; local staff cannot change state open‑container rules. Committee members discussed a possible expansion to the west side (including areas near the West End Cider House and distillery). Staff noted acreage certification by a licensed professional engineer will be required for an expansion and that director Stone will provide the professional certification for the submission to the state.
Outcome: The matter is between first and second reading; a public hearing was scheduled for June 1 at 7 p.m., followed by a committee meeting ahead of the regular session.
