GOSHEN, Ind. (WNDU) – A proposal for a designated outdoor refreshment area, or DORA, is moving forward in Goshen.
The ordinance passed its first reading 5 to 2 at Monday night’s council meeting.
DORA allows people to carry adult beverages from participating restaurants within certain downtown city limits. Mishawaka and Elkhart have adopted the program in recent years.
Talks about the program lasted for over an hour at Monday night’s council meeting.
A map of the proposed boundary for The City of Goshen Downtown Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA).(City of Goshen)
As part of the presentation, a downtown business outreach survey showed many downtown stakeholders support DORA.
The council heard from several community members and council members during public comments, some concerned about bringing open alcohol containers throughout the boundaries.
Michael Wanbaugh, director of administrative affairs for Goshen, said the city hopes DORA can bring the community together, especially during events.
“People can be outside, I think they can be together, they can enjoy the downtown events; they don’t have to be inside,” Wanbaugh said. “And we have a lot of outdoor dining now, an emerging dining scene here in Goshen, which we’re very, very proud of. We think this will be the next step beyond that.”
He says it’s a responsible program for responsible people who want to participate in downtown community events.
Since Monday night’s vote was not unanimous, it goes through a second reading at April’s council meeting.
Wanbaugh hopes it passes so the city can move forward with the state application, work out signage, safety and sanitation measures and put this plan into action this summer.
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