Waynesville Council Hears Strong Support and Strong Concerns at DORA Public Hearing

The Waynesville Village Council opened a public hearing on a proposed Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) at 6:02 p.m. on Sept. 16, 2024. Kim Gaffey, president of the Waynesville Merchants’ Association, described the proposed hours — Monday–Friday 5:00–9:00 p.m., Saturday 12:00–9:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00–4:00 p.m. — and said WMA would "be responsible for purchasing and placing the signs for the boundaries and are familiar with the rules and regulations." He told the council WMA had adjusted hours after meeting with concerned merchants and noted there are about 189 DORA districts in Ohio.

Supporters — including downtown business owners, the Chamber executive director and longtime merchants — said a DORA would increase foot traffic and provide customers with a reason to linger downtown. Dan Apolito, owner of Stone House, said the establishments selling alcohol assume liability and that DORAs historically have not produced spikes in DUIs or other crime in his experience. Several business owners noted WMA’s pledge to collect litter after events and pointed to concessions negotiated by WMA, including no DORA during Sauerkraut and reduced hours for certain weekdays.

Opponents raised sanitation, policing and character concerns. Ryan Brown and other residents said neighboring DORA examples they visited produced more trash and isolated incidents of public urination, and resident Jonathan Osborne said he counted 12 trash cans within the proposed boundary and questioned whether that would be adequate. Resident Mathew McKeever asked the council for data demonstrating that a DORA produces net business gains before committing to the change. Several speakers expressed discomfort with extending alcohol onto sidewalks and streets because they feared it would change Waynesville’s small‑town character.

During the legislative portion of the meeting, Sgt. Jonathan Denlinger of the Waynesville Police Department described enforcement options if patrons or visitors do not follow participating-business rules: "if someone does not abide by the business owner’s decision they can be charged with open container, trespassed off the property, or charged with disorderly intoxication." Council held the first reading of Ordinance No. 2024-031 (creating the DORA); Mr. Gallagher reminded members that first reading does not mean the ordinance is final and that amendments remain possible.

The hearing produced a detailed record of local views but no final decision; the ordinance advanced on first reading and will return to council for additional consideration and possible amendment.