TROY — With only one letter of opposition during public comments, Troy City Council will have a second reading of its proposed Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) at its next meeting.
Bobby Phillips was not present at the meeting.
The ordinance automatically will advance for a second reading, which is required by law. If passed at the March 15 council meeting, the city can submit the DORA application to the state. If the state approved the application the DORA could begin as soon as April 15.
On Monday, Troy Main Street Executive Director Andrea Keller spoke at the end of the meeting and said if council or anyone had questions about the DORA, she’d be willing to answer them. Keller said the majority of businesses TMS surveyed were in favor of the DORA, while approximately six were not.
The second proposal narrowed down its hours to noon to 10 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The alcoholic beverages purchased with the official cup can be consumed outdoors within the DORA and only during official DORA hours. The second proposal of the DORA is 20.6 acres.
Director of Public Service and Safety Patrick Titterington said the DORA would begin once signage and beverage service training was complete.
In a DORA, alcoholic beverages can be purchased at one location, but cannot be carried into another establishment. Non-liquor establishments may permit or prohibit DORA beverages in their stores at their own discretion. The permit must be re-certified every five years, but the city proposes it will reevaluate the DORA at the end of 2021 if accepted.
Qualified permit holders would be the former Brewery, the Elks, The Redmen Club, Harens’ Market, Mojos Bar and Grille, Agave and Rye, Leaf and Vine, The Caroline, Studio 14 Creative Arts Center, The Submarine House, Moeller Brew Barn, Basils on Market, Tokyo Peking, and the One Stop Drive-Thru. The former site of the Little York Tavern is also included in the proposed district.
Following the first reading of the proposed drinking district, council president William Lutz read a letter of opposition regarding the DORA and the city’s handling of public health orders and state mandates on behalf of city resident Nancy Frantz.
Regarding DORA, Frantz’s letter stated, “I would also like to address the council and the mayor regarding DORA. How can you honestly think it wise for citizens to carry alcoholic drinks around the streets of downtown Troy. What kind of example does this send to our families who take their children downtown, to the students using The Rec, and having our police department to keep the drinkers from over-imbibing. It was voted down once, so you have to adjust it and give it another chance. No is never enough? It is not important what other cities are doing, what is important is what we are doing in Troy.”
In regard to the city’s stance on COVID-19, Frantz’s letter said, “I find it very offensive that the city of Troy does not follow the requirements given to us by our governor and the Miami County Health Commissioner. They are trying to help us find the light at the end of the tunnel. Troy feels they are much more informed and are more important and therefore justified to do a better job ignoring the mandates of the governor and commissioner. I guess you, the leaders of our community, do not need the vaccine because you feel no threat to get COVID-19. This will be good for the rest of us who are working to find an opportunity to get the vaccine.”
In other news, council member Bill Twiss asked about the Kidder Ditch project. Director of Public Service and Safety Patrick Titterington said the project would likely begin next spring and staff is still working on compiling information at this time.
Council member Jeff Schilling praised the streets department for addressing the potholes “the size of cars” on South Stanfield Road.
Council member-at-large Todd Severt noted the improved microphones and audio at the meeting. Severt said he already received messages saying it improved from the last council meeting and thanked city staff for adding to the technology.
Council approved the following agenda items:
• A resolution for an agreement with the state development services agency for the community housing improvement program
• An ordinance to declare 0.0313-acre parcel of Archer Park near the 700 block of Governors Road
• An ordinance to accept the final record plan for Redwood apartment complex located on State Route 718 and McKaig Road. The changes added another retention pond to the planned development.
• An ordinance to accept the dedication of right-of-way at Green Court and along West Stanfield Road
• An ordinance to vacate an access easement west of South Cherry Street. Council member Jeff Schilling abstained from the vote.
