Amherst committee advances temporary daily DORA trial to council after split vote

The Ordinance Committee voted to send ordinance 26-20 to the full council, advancing a proposal to change Amherst's designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA) from an event-based model to a daily noon'10 p.m. schedule for a summer trial. Chair called the committee and recorded a 4'2 roll-call vote to move the measure to council for three readings.

Sponsor Mister Janek and supporters argued the trial could boost downtown foot traffic and money for small businesses. Janek said he had compared Amherst with similar Ohio cities and that "there's several communities that have expanded their hours that have had no issues, safety issues to report," and that many business owners wanted a temporary chance to test the change. Business owners in public comment backed a trial; Judy Recnagle, owner of The Mermaid's Tale, said she had seen "a 10 to 15% extra sales" on evenings when DORA was active.

Opponents raised policing and cost concerns. The mayor read a letter from the police chief opposing the change, warning that "any expansion or modification of the DORA must be carefully evaluated to ensure it does not increase risk" and that expanded hours "would cost additional funds from our taxpayers or businesses in order to provide the necessary police presence." Committee members questioned why the ordinance proposed roughly 70 hours per week when comparative benefits often accrue in a smaller evening window.

Committee members and staff also discussed logistics: how special events would still require applications and potential police cost recovery, and whether the temporary ordinance would revert automatically at the listed end date. The law department advised there are Ohio Revised Code notice requirements and that reverting hours later would require legislative action, so the sunset in the text would not automatically restore the prior arrangement without council action.

The ordinance will now proceed to the full council for up to three readings and votes; if adopted and signed by the mayor, supporters said the practical trial period would be shortened to mid-July through September because of council scheduling. The committee record shows the item was advanced to the floor of council by a 4'2 vote.