DORA approved in Fostoria

FOSTORIA — City Council unanimously approved a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, or DORA, for a portion of the downtown Fostoria area on Tuesday. Before the regular city council meeting, council hosted a public hearing to seek questions or comments from the community. All statements made were in relation to the proposed DORA. Implementing a DORA within downtown Fostoria permits community members 21 and older to utilize a suspension on Ohio's open container law by taking alcoholic beverages outside of establishments within specific limits and into businesses that welcome the DORA. The idea was originally proposed Feb. 15 by Sarah Stephens Krupp, chamber/small business director, and has been a controversial subject for Fostoria residents since. "DORA, perhaps might be something that some of our local establishments want to do," said the Rev. Dan Lucien, pastor of Fostoria Church of God, at Tuesday's public hearing. "But it needs to be confined more, and it doesn't need to be every single weekend for three days." Another Fostoria resident, Robert Martins, also said he feels the designated DORA space — proposed at 23 acres — could be smaller. Stephens Krupp spoke out, saying, "The Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce worked with the mayor's office to create a well-thought-out proposal in regard to a DORA and revitalization district. "We strongly believe a DORA will enhance visitor experience within our community, and downtown Fostoria will remain a safe and family-friendly place." Stephens Krupp also said, "in benchmarking success of DORAs in other communities across the state, we learned much of the initial public concern, such as public intoxication, a party-like atmosphere and excessive trash, was similar in all communities we reached out to. And in all, the concerns faded away once a DORA was implemented, and the community learned firsthand the atmosphere of the area within their DORA remained relaxed and family-friendly." There are currently 17 businesses and permitholders within the DORA area in Fostoria that support the idea, and there has been no report of letters of opposition from businesses within the DORA area. Seneca County Sheriff Fred Stevens said when a DORA was initially brought to Tiffin, he had concerns with the increase of foot traffic and potential drunken disorderly conduct. But, he said, there were no appreciable increases in criminal activity or service calls directly related to the DORA after it was put into operation. According to the Fostoria Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, the city will now begin its next steps in implementing the outdoor area. This process includes sending an application to the Ohio Department of Liquor Control. Once approved, participating businesses will be issued new liquor permits enabling them to sell beverages in specially marked DORA cups. Permitholders and businesses are to be educated through meetings and materials regarding DORA regulations, and signage will be ordered and installed. Findlay's DORA went into effect in early May 2021.