2 days ago
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.
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