Community considers DORA in downtown Youngstown

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Youngstown City Council is considering allowing open containers of alcoholic beverages to be carried throughout parts of downtown. Wednesday, the council wanted to hear what the public had to say.

Youngstown’s DORA — which stands for Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area — would extend a block or so on both sides of Phelps Street.

Wednesday afternoon a hearing was held at City Hall on what the public thinks. No one spoke in favor of the DORA, one person was opposed, and another questioned the timing of the public hearing.

“We have a police shortage and bringing this into play is going to take away from the neighborhoods if something should happen,” said Tracy Randall.

But Police Chief Carl Davis said a robust plan will be implemented if a DORA is approved.

“Too much development has gone into the downtown area for us to ignore that,” said Davis.

Nick Chretien of the Economic Action Group said it would not be a free-for-all.

“People will have a designated wristband. It will be on a designated cup. It’s going to be beers and beverages from the establishments we’re talking about here,” Chretien said.

Another person asked about representation at Wednesday’s meeting.

“Would this be a fair representation of people’s opinions when you have a meeting at 2:00 in the afternoon, or 2:30, and a lot of people can’t come — or would you not expect a lot of people to be here anyway?” asked Helen McCarthy.

The majority of seats at the DORA public hearing were empty. Councilman Julius Oliver stated his opinion on why many people didn’t attend the meeting.

“I think the majority of the bars and restaurants are already on board. I think there was only one that opposed it. So I think they felt in a way, ‘Why do I need to show up if I’m already in favor of it?'” said Oliver.

Oliver says he supports the DORA but Councilwoman Amber White said she’s still undecided. She wants to first talk with the business owners downtown.

“And seeing such a low turnout, especially from the business owners themselves, those are the ones I really wanted to hear from and downtown residents to really get their input,” White said.

Now that a public hearing has been held, Ohio’s Division of Liquor Control must approve Youngstown’s DORA after which the city council must approve it too.

The plan is to have both of those approvals in place by year’s end.

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