(Posted Oct. 29, 2024)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
Legislation proposing the creation of a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in downtown London will be up for a public hearing, as well as a third reading and potential vote by city council at council’s Nov. 7 meeting. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. and takes place at city hall, 20 S. Walnut St.
A DORA allows individuals ages 21 and older to purchase an alcoholic beverage from an approved, liquor-permitted business, then consume that beverage while walking around within the area’s designated boundaries.
The DORA proposal was introduced at council’s Oct. 3 meeting. A second reading was held at council’s Oct. 17 meeting.
Council member Greg Eades asked if the proposed DORA area could be extended one block south on Main Street to include the area where the old hotel once operated. Westwood Collective, a developer, owns the property.
“I don’t know (Westwood Collective’s) plans, but what if they put in a restaurant or bar?” Eades asked.
As they stand now, the proposed DORA boundaries stop before the railroad tracks, heading south on Main Street.
“We didn’t want (DORA) pedestrian traffic crossing the railroad tracks,” Castle explained, but added that the boundary lines are up to council.
Eades also asked about the DORA hours, which as proposed are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. He said he researched the DORA hours in Hilliard and Dublin and saw that they are different than what London is considering.
“Can we opt not to use all the hours and days we’re considering,” Eades asked.
Castle agreed the proposed hours are “pretty broad.” He said he thinks council can adjust the hours as they see fit, either now or later as an amendment.
To view the proposed DORA ordinance, including a map of the proposed DORA boundaries, go to Ordinance 184-24 (DORA).