City Council reviewing DORA extension
City Council is looking at extending the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area to include downtown Historic Springboro. Wright Station, the development at Main and Central avenues, was designated as a DORA in 2020. Since that time, several downtown business owners have expressed interest in expanding the DORA south along Main Street. In June, the city held a community meeting with residents and business owners from the downtown area to discuss an extension.
A DORA allows patrons over the age of 21 to purchase alcoholic beverages in specially marked cups from an establishment and carry them within a clearly defined area. Wright Station’s DORA includes the area around Warped Wing, The Performing Arts Center, Heroes and Cassano’s — all liquor permit holders. The Springboro Community Theatre holds the permit for the PAC.
Should the city decide to move forward with the extension, an ordinance is expected to go before City Council this month. The DORA would extend down South Main Street to Mill Street and include Springboro United Church of Christ and Midwest Wealth Management.
At present, there are two downtown businesses with liquor permits — and each would have the option to sell alcohol. Other businesses would have the option whether to permit the alcohol on their premises, and notification would be done through uniform signage, provided by the city.
According to Assistant City Manager Greg Shackelford, a DORA is an economic development tool that many cities are utilizing. “The DORA allows for patrons to eat, drink, enjoy entertainment and shop all in one location.” He says Wright Station’s DORA has been very popular.