City Administrator Allyson Murray reviewed the specifics of Rossford’s planned Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) with the mayor and city council at the November 14 meeting.
The proposed area is aimed at driving more business and traffic to the city’s downtown. However, it has presented a challenge in drawing up boundaries because of Rossford High School’s downtown location.
In the current drawing, Ms. Murray showed how they worked around that obstacle while still including all major businesses in the corridor.
Within its boundaries will be Forest View Lanes, Billy V’s, Moe’s and Danny’s. Though the latter two are directly across directly across Superior Street from the high school, the DORA will only be on the north side where there will be strict signage indicating the boundaries.
Ms. Murray also assured council that everything included in the proposal fits within the city’s zoning classifications.
As is the case in other municipalities, each serving establishment will have a specially labeled cup for use within the zone. Any alcohol not purchased from one of the establishments and contained in the proper cup will not be permitted. She added that the police department is confident it can enforce the new rules that will accompany the outdoor drinking area.
To accommodate the higher trash volume expected with disposable cups, an additional 15 to 20 trash receptacles will be added throughout the proposed area, Ms. Murray explained.
Since its introduction by the state’s 131st General Assembly in 2015, DORAs have become popular and sought after by municipalities statewide.
Mayor Neil MacKinnon III voiced his support for the plan during the meeting, noting the economic benefits and business he believes will be drawn to the downtown as a result.
But Councilman Robert Ruse disagreed, expressing concern that it would not prove beneficial to the city at large but rather strictly serve establishments within its borders.
Other Business
In other business, council:
•Opted at the request of Ms. Murray, to conduct a third reading of ordinance regarding rental dwellings.
Proposed changes include cleaning up language, eliminating smaller fees and switching from self inspection of rental units to inspection by a city inspector
•Approved the expenditure from the Community Housing and Impact Preservation program. Because the expenditure exceeded $50,000, council’s approval is required.
•Introduced but took no action on an ordinance pertaining to the creation of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district on acreage within I-75, Glenwood Road and Buck Road.
The 23-acre Scannell property would be exempt from real property taxation for the duration of the TIF, and would not impact Rossford Schools, which would be compensated financially.
Todd Audet, project manager, said this year, the city will see $40 million in investment in the area and another $280 million is expected in the future.
•Wished members of the community a happy Thanksgiving Council’s next meeting will be at 6 p.m., Monday, November 28 in council chambers at the municipal building, 133 Osborn Street, and is open to the public.