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Downtown group pitches Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area to Mount Vernon council
Summary
City and downtown leaders discussed a proposal Sept. 24 for a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) that would let patrons carry single-use drinks between seven participating downtown businesses and outdoor spaces to boost foot traffic; council offered support but took no formal vote.
At a Sept. 24 city council workshop, city staff and downtown business leaders discussed a proposal to create a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA, in downtown Mount Vernon.
Rex Cusumano, vice president of the Downtown Mount Vernon Development Corporation (DMDC), presented the plan after City Manager Mary Ellen Bechtel introduced the topic. "The main idea is to create a destination to bring more foot traffic downtown and help businesses," Cusumano said, describing research DMDC conducted with other communities that have similar programs.
Cusumano said the proposal as presented would include seven participating businesses — La Fuente, American Legion, Dee Bees, Joe’s Pizza, Granada, Elks and Humphreys. Under the plan, participating establishments would sell disposable, specially marked cups valid for one drink; patrons could leave a business with that cup and enter designated outdoor zones, walk into other participating shops or use nearby park areas. Businesses could opt out by posting signage at their door indicating that outside beverages were not allowed, he said. The DMDC suggested hours of operation of 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Council members expressed support but did not take a formal vote on the proposal. Council Member Donte Moore said he had heard positive community feedback and that residents he spoke with were "excited about this." Council Member Mike Young said he has long been a proponent of similar programs, citing experiences in other communities where DORAs increased downtown activity; Council Member Joe Gliosci said the change could encourage businesses to stay open later and attract new ventures. Cusumano told the council he had not received negative responses during the committee's outreach.
No ordinance or formal action on establishing a DORA was introduced at the workshop. The meeting record shows no formal vote on the proposal; next steps for formal consideration were not specified during the session. The council did, however, vote to adjourn the workshop at 4:38 p.m. following a motion by Council Member Mike Young and a second by Council Member Joe Gliosci. The motion carried with four Yeas; Council Member Ray Botch was absent.
The presentation provided council members with a program outline and a list of participating businesses; DMDC members and staff will need to return with any requested follow-up details and an ordinance if the council opts to pursue formal approval.
