Latest news with #Outdoor
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Shinnston approves plans to establish PODA, forms oversight committee
SHINNSTON, (WBOY) — Shinnston will be the latest West Virginia city to hop on the PODA wagon. On Monday, the Shinnston City Council moved forward with plans to establish a Private Outdoor Designated Area (PODA) in its downtown business district, unanimously approving the proposed ordinance during a public hearing and final reading. The newly adopted ordinance permits the creation of a designated area where alcohol purchased from participating businesses may be carried and consumed outdoors within clearly defined boundaries of the city's business district. The goal of the PODA is to encourage economic activity and create a more walkable downtown environment, particularly during community events such as the city's Wind Down Wednesday events. 'So, our kind of thought process was to bring them, draw them to the green space and then trickle down to the different businesses throughout Shinnston, the different stores,' the Shinnston City Manager Tori Drainer said. City officials emphasized that the area will be strictly regulated with signage, enforcement protocols and specific hours of operation, those being Wednesday-Friday from 5-10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 1-10 p.m. Officials said that these regulations will be in place to ensure public safety and compliance with state alcohol laws. In May, the City of Shinnston approved a security and maintenance plan in preparation for the upcoming PODA. Officials said that the area will be regularly patrolled by a dedicated police officer and city ambassadors. Public Works crews will also be responsible for waste and debris collection within the PODA, as well as operating a street sweeper to maintain cleanliness. 'Right now, we have Casey's, which is a huge asset to Shinnston,' Drainer added. 'We're hoping that this opens the door to different breweries, microbreweries, and things of that nature to draw in.' As part of the implementation process, the council also appointed members to serve on a newly formed oversight committee tasked with guiding the PODA's operation and addressing any concerns that may arise. The committee will include Brendan Gallagher, Patrick Kovalck and Tori Drainer, as well as one local business owner who does not serve alcohol, in an effort to maintain balanced representation and community-focused mindset. Shinnston now joins a growing list of West Virginia cities that have adopted a PODA framework. With the move, Shinnston aligns itself with municipalities such as Fairmont, Morgantown, Clarksburg, Wheeling, Charleston and Huntington, all of which have implemented similar programs to support downtown revitalization and economic activity. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Indianapolis Star
a day ago
- Business
- Indianapolis Star
Carmel's carry-out alcohol program off to a popular start
Carmel's Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, which allows patrons to carry out alcohol from certain businesses in the city, is off to a popular start. 'It's a massive opportunity,' said Jeff Blair, owner of Fork + Ale House Kitchen Brewery near Carmel's Midtown Plaza. The district was activated on May 23, heading into Memorial Day Weekend. Blair said he had to ask the city for additional DORA cups that weekend because his business was going to run out. He estimated he sold about 800 drinks in DORA cups between May 28 and June 4. About a dozen businesses, including 101 Beer Kitchen, The GOAT and Bazbeaux, opted to participate in the DORA District. Plans for the district were approved by city councilors last summer. Patrons, 21 years and older, are allowed to purchase alcoholic beverages from the approved businesses, carry them outside and consume them within the district's boundaries. Businesses in the district can also opt to allow patrons to carry DORA drinks into their establishments. More Hamilton County news: Fishers panel votes down plan to build fancy condos for fancy cars The drinks must be sold in the DORA-branded aluminum cups. The district's boundaries are roughly West Carmel Drive on the south to 1st Northwest Street on the north, along the Monon Greenway, and 3rd Avenue Southwest on the west to South Range Line Road on the east. The city has signs marking the boundaries. Madeline Gordon, general manager of Wine & Rind, said the program allows her business to sell individual cups of wine to patrons that they can walk with around the district. 'People are starting to pick up on it,' Gordon said. "Once it comes to festival season with Artomobilia and the international arts festival, I think we will see even more people using the program.' Penn & Beech Candle Co. is one of the businesses where patrons can bring their DORA cups inside. Sarah Chait, director of marketing for the candle company, said her business is also looking forward to customers using the program during festivals this summer. Kelly Douglas, director of marketing and community relations with the city, added that there have not been any cleanliness or behavioral issues associated with the launch of the district reported to Carmel's street or police departments. Carmel City Councilor Jeff Worrell said one resident has brought up an issue with the district's boundaries being too close to their home. He said that the city's commission on the DORA District is looking into this and may adjust the boundaries. 'That's the purpose of the commission,' Worrell said. 'It's to hear and fine-tune those issues.' The city councilor added that he wanted residents to keep in mind that the aluminum DORA cups are recyclable.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ashtabula Council passes variety of zoning moratoriums
ASHTABULA — City council passed moratoriums on a wide variety of items in hopes of reviewing city businesses while looking to the future. 'Basically what we are doing is putting a pause in the city,' Ashtabula City Manager Jim Timonere said. He said the city is updating its master plan, and needed to put some businesses on hold so studies can take place to review how they affect the city. Timonere estimated it will take about a year and a half to complete the process. He added if there is a situation where council wanted to lift a moratorium, they could do so, but only once. 'It doesn't affect anyone who is already in business,' Timonere said. Ashtabula City Solicitor Cecilia Cooper said any present business can stay in business and even expand at the same location, but if they move, the moratorium would come into effect. The first moratorium was place a hold on the construction of any accessory structure over 200 square feet. Moratoriums on certain kinds of businesses consist of auto and truck rentals, boarding houses, check cashing or pay day lending businesses, vaping and tobacco stores, food trucks with permanent locations, junk or scrap yards, motor vehicle fuel dispensing, small box retail stores, thrift stores and used or new vehicle stores. Council also passed an ordinance to create a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area in the Ashtabula Harbor. A DORA is a designated area which is exempt from certain open container laws. The proposal will be sent to the Ohio Department of Commerce, which regulates DORAs throughout the state. The city of Geneva recently opened a DORA in its downtown area. Council approved an ordinance allowing Timonere to enter into a partnership with Ashtabula County and the Ohio Development Services Agency for housing grant funds. Council also approved a resolution allowing the city to enter into a water pollution loan fund for the design phase for work at the Ashtabula Water Department, not to exceed $700,000. Timonere said this is part of $100 million proposed projects over a 10-year period. Timonere was granted approval to enter into a contract with the Ashtabula County YMCA to hire lifeguards at Walnut Beach, with the cost of the contract not to exceed $25,620.78. The funding to create an Americans with Disabilities Act parking lot adjacent to the inclusive playground at Walnut Beach was approved with Capp Steel, not to exceed $29,500. Council accepted the donation of the playground from the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and approved a $3,100 change order for a paving project. Plans were approved to the transition of a tennis court at Harbor Topky Library into two Pickleball courts, at a cost not to exceed $23,458 with Site Technology Inc. Three potential amendments to the city charter were approved for placement on the Nov. 4 ballot. The amendment would allow the city manager to approve expenditures up to $50,000 without council approval, approve change orders up to $50,000 and allow the city manager to okay contracts if they are not more than 10% over an engineer's estimated cost. Timonere said the change is needed because the cost of almost everything is over the present limit of $10,000, which was created in 1996. A 6th Street restoration project was approved on a contract with Koski Construction not to exceed $19,975. An emergency air line repair at the Ashtabula Wastewater Department was approved by emergency, as the repair is essential to the operation of the plant. A one year contract with Jefferson Healthcare was approved. Council approved proposed renewals for a five-year 1.5 mill levy for parks and recreation and a .3 mill levy for senior citizens. The final item of business involved the approval for Timonere to apply for a more-than-$400,000 grant to resurface the southern part of Hulbert Avenue. Council continued discussions regarding the condition of the CSX underpass on Lake Avenue. Timonere thanked Anthony Oquendo for his ongoing efforts regarding the bridge. Timonere said the city has little ability to do anything related to railroad properties which are overseen by the Federal Railroad Administration. Council voted down a 75% tax abatement for an Ohio Avenue developer, saying they felt the developer should get a seven-year 100% abatement, as other projects have received.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City of Fairmont moves forward with PODA ordinance
FAIRMONT, (WBOY) — During Tuesday night's Fairmont City Council meeting, a public hearing was held, followed by the second and final reading of an ordinance concerning the establishment and regulation of Private Outdoor Designated Areas (PODAs) within the city limits. Following the hearing, the council unanimously approved the ordinance, which will allow local businesses to apply for a special license from the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Commissioner. This license permits businesses to serve alcoholic beverages that may be consumed outside their premises, provided that patrons remain within the boundaries of the designated PODA district. Several business owners in attendance expressed strong support for the ordinance, highlighting the social and economic opportunities it will create for both their establishments and the community gathering in the PODA district. 'This is really exciting for us because it is going to give extra incentives for residents and also businesses to come to downtown Fairmont,' Executive Director of Main Street Fairmont Alex Petry said. 'I just want to commend the city for their work on this, and I consider them an excellent partner of Main Street Fairmont.' Fairmont City Manager Travis Blosser stated that the rollout of PODA signage and full implementation of the program will take some time. He added that an official launch date for the district will be announced in the near future. Cheeseman to return as Doddridge County Superintendent 'It's important to support the local businesses that are already here and that foot traffic for them, but those folks who may be looking to Fairmont and thinking 'wow, Fairmont is a place to do business, I really want to be there,'' Blosser said. Under the PODA regulation, the standard operating hours for PODAs will be Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Also, during the meeting, Petry stated that, 'It's about more than just permitting open container areas. It's about implementing a program, an opportunity to help our downtown progress and create a safer, more inviting and economically resilient city center.' Fairmont now joins a select group of cities in the Mountain State to adopt a PODA framework. Other municipalities that have implemented similar programs include Morgantown, Clarksburg, Wheeling, Charleston, and Huntington. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DORA set to strengthen Columbus Grove community, businesses
May 16—COLUMBUS GROVE — The Columbus Grove Village Council approved two ordinances establishing a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area downtown in a recent April 28 meeting. A Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, DORA, is land a local legislative authority has designated exempt from open container provisions, allowing patrons to purchase an open alcoholic beverage from a liquor permit holder and leave the premises, continuing consumption within the DORA designated area. Council members and business owners see the potential benefits DORA can bring for the community. "We felt the possibilities of creating events in the downtown area warranted this to be established," Aaron Siefker, Columbus Grove Village Council member, said via email. Chris Halker, owner of Halker's Bar & Grill, 209 W. Sycamore St., believes DORA will strenghten the local community and bring in outsiders. "I think it will bring businesses together and do more things for the town and the community," Halker said in a phone interview. "Hopefully it will bring more people to our community." The council was deliberate in its approach when selecting the DORA boundary. "We decided as a council that we wanted to keep this primarily in the downtown area and also did not want to just throw a blanket over the entire village and make it a giant section of the town," Siefker said. Establishments are required to have the proper liquor licenses per the state's guidelines in a DORA. According to a map from the council, the DORA boundary spans include Sycamore Street, Plum Street, Liberty Street and High Street, which includes a handful of local, eligible businesses. "The establishments within the boundary with eligible licenses are Miller's Lunch, The Axe-Handle, Halker's Bar & Grill, and the Columbus Grove VFW Post 9648," Siefker said. Council is at the mercy of the state to approve it at this point, according to Siefker. "Everything has been completed on our end, including having the necessary signage for the boundary as well as the indicators that go on the beverage cups," he said. Council members know it will take time for businesses to navigate the new ordinance and are preparing for positive and negative outcomes. "We hope that everyone can get something positive out of this, but we're also not under any illusions that this doesn't have the possibility to have negatives as well," Siefker said. Reach Cade Higgins at 567-242-0351. Featured Local Savings
