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Waynesville merchants seek downtown DORA; council schedules Sept. 16 public hearing
Summary
Waynesville Merchants Association submitted a DORA application for downtown to allow patrons to carry drinks between participating establishments; supporters said it would boost foot traffic while opponents raised concerns about policing, trash and impacts on families; Council set a public hearing for Sept. 16, 2024, to consider the application.
Representatives of the Waynesville Merchants Association asked the Village Council on Aug. 5 to approve a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) for a section of downtown to encourage foot traffic and support struggling businesses.
"If it is done right, it will help bring new life back to downtown," David Nuscher said, describing a proposed DORA from Mami Finas to Stonehouse Tavern. Michelle Heart, representing WMA, said merchants are negotiable on hours and the map, and that participating businesses would issue drinks in a special cup while liability remains with the licensed establishments.
Supporters told Council that DORAs are common in Ohio and that WMA researched practices in other towns, provided a trash plan and offered to maintain boundary signage. Joanna Powell, WMA vice president and a downtown resident, outlined proposed hours (weekdays 5–9 p.m., Saturday 12–10 p.m., Sunday 12–4 p.m.) and a decal system so shops can opt in or out.
Opponents raised concerns about policing resources, trash, children’s exposure, and the town’s character. Randy Brown and others cautioned that enforcement and sanitation will be necessary and questioned who will pay for any additional policing. Chief Gary Copeland noted that open‑container and public‑intoxication laws continue to apply and that the Council has 45 days under ORC 4301.81 to act on the application; Mr. Forbes said today starts that clock. Council set a public hearing and published notice to meet the statutory timeline; the hearing is scheduled for Sept. 16, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
No final decision on the DORA was made at the meeting; Council instructed staff to advertise the hearing and to follow up on the trash plan, map and hours in preparation for the public hearing.
