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Debate over DORA at center of downtown review; committee moves to remove Super Cruise exemption
Summary
Downtown committee recommended renewing the downtown Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) and voted to remove a Super Cruise exemption so DORA status can be decided case‑by‑case via event applications; public comment included a resident warning that alcohol near show cars could harm the event’s character.
The downtown committee and council heard contrasting views on renewing Salem’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area and whether DORA should be allowed during the city’s Super Cruise event.
At a public comment period and in committee minutes read to council, local resident Eugene Johnson urged officials not to allow DORA during the Super Cruise, saying the Super Cruise has been "about cars" and warning that adding alcohol to the event could turn it into a "party event" that would drive away car enthusiasts and create policing and medical burdens on the city. "This is not a wine fest. It's not a beer fest... This is only about cars," Johnson said.
Downtown representatives and business owners gave an opposing view in committee testimony. Will Klene, president of the Downtown Salem Partnership, told the committee DORA "encourages increased foot traffic and many events benefit from DORA," arguing the program helps downtown businesses attract patrons who move between establishments. Scott Laric and other business owners described steady DORA cup sales and said the chamber manages compliance and business registration for DORA participation.
The downtown committee reviewed data and testimony and passed a motion to remove the Super Cruise exemption from the DORA language and to add an event‑specific DORA determination through the event application process; the motion was forwarded to the law director for review and council consideration. Committee minutes note proposals for alternatives such as designated DORA zones or restricting alcohol near car-display areas to balance event character and safety.
The committee record shows mixed local feedback: some participants urged maintaining a family‑friendly Super Cruise without an active DORA on that weekend; others cited economic benefits and low incident reports in past DORA periods. The council scheduled a public hearing on the DORA for 6:45 p.m. on May 7 so the full council may consider the committee recommendation and public comment.
Next steps: the downtown committee’s recommendation was referred to the law director and will return to council after the required public hearing and any legal review.
