Member of New Philadelphia City Council voices opposition to mayor's DORA proposal

NEW PHILADELPHIA ‒ City Councilwoman Cheryl Ramos expressed her concerns about a proposal to create a DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) in downtown New Philadelphia, days after Mayor Joel Day released a plan in support of the idea.

"We all want to be able to enjoy the downtown events and want them to be held in a safe and nurturing environment," she said during this week's meeting of New Philadelphia City Council . "A DORA would remove controls that parents have and exposing their children to alcohol by allowing it in the public space. The alternative for those families is not to enjoy the downtown events during the DORA."

Under the mayor's plan, the DORA would encompass an area bounded by Fair Avenue on the north, Front Avenue on the south, Second Street on the west and First Drive on the east.

The DORA program was created by the state in 2015. Under the rules, someone could purchase alcohol at a bar and walk around on the street with the beverage in a designated container with a logo on it. The container would have to be purchased at one of the participating establishments in the DORA. The container can only be used once.

Hours of the DORA would be in effect during special events.

In his mayor's report, Day said, "Let's try it, then decide whether to end it or set regular hours for its use. The eight liquor permit holders in the proposed DORA area and city law enforcement bear the responsibility of making it work to the satisfaction of the community. I'm confident they will."

Changing the community culture

Ramos outlined three reasons for her opposition.

She is concerned that it would change community culture, values and norms about open carry alcohol in front of minors, those in recovery and those who struggle with alcohol. Second, she said it would send the message to youth and others that people cannot enjoy art events and shopping without an alcoholic drink in their hand.

"I personally do not want to see any stumbling blocks put in the way of an individual's recovery," she said.

Ramos noted there is a petition signed by 405 people ‒ city and county residents, tourists, downtown business owners and area pastors ‒ against the DORA.

A public meeting to consider the DORA proposal will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 19 in council chambers. The public will have a chance to speak at that time. Written comments can be sent to Clerk of Council, John Knisely Municipal Centre, 150 E. High Ave., New Philadelphia, 44663 or by email to clerk@npohcc.com.

Other action

• Council gave first reading to an ordinance raising city sanitation rates by $3 a month. It will receive two more readings before it is enacted. Resident Ryan Barnabi spoke against the proposal. "$3 a month might not seem like much dollar-wise, but as a percentage from the current rate to the increase would be a 20% increase." He urged council to be creative in finding some alternatives, making cuts such as getting rid of the curbside recycling program or going to a tier-rated based on usage.
• Day reported a public meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 7 in city council chambers for residents to learn about revisions being made to the city's zoning code. Wendy Moeller of Compass Point Planning will present her revisions of the zoning code and answer questions.

Reach Jon at 330-364-8415 or at jon.baker@timesreporter.com.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Member of New Philadelphia City Council voices opposition to mayor's DORA proposal