D.O.R.A. MOVING FORWARD — Toronto Council approved the second of three readings of an ordinance, Monday, establishing a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area where patrons of businesses there may publicly carry an alcoholic beverage in a designated cup. -- Warren Scott

TORONTO — On Monday, Toronto Council approved the second of three readings for an ordinance that will allow patrons of establishments in a designated area of North Fourth Street may publicly carry alcohol in a designated cup.

The unanimous vote came following a public hearing at which no negative comments were voiced for the proposed Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area.

The ordinance calls for the D.O.R.A. To include North Fourth Street from Clark Street to Main Street and Market Street from North Fifth Street to North Third Street.

If approved through a third and final reading at council’s Aug. 11 meeting, the ordinance will allow Baby-Boyz BBQ, Tri B’s Coffee Shop, Frog’s Place, the American Legion Post and Eagles Lodge to serve beer, wine or liquor to patrons in a designated 16-ounce cup their patrons may carry from those establishments to others within the D.O.R.A.

Businesses and other establishments in that area will post a decal on their windows indicating whether they are participating in the D.O.R.A. to indicate whether a cup-carrying visitor may enter their doors.

On Monday, 4th Ward Councilman Greg Herrick said in some D.O.R.A.s, flashing lights are posted to indicate their boundaries.

Mayor John Parker advised council he will seek a grant for signs for the area.

Parker said of the proposal, “I support it 100 percent. I think its’ a great economic tool for the town.”

At the public hearing, council heard from Abby LeMasters and Phil Livingston, who own two of the affected businesses and had pitched the idea to council, citing more than 100 D.O.R.A.s established in other Ohio municipalities.

LeMasters said, “I think it’s something that will help small businesses and bring people into town.”

“I think it’s a great opportunity for Toronto. I’m just looking forward to what’s to come,” said Livingston.

The two had organized the Gem City Wing Fest held recently in the same area and hope to hold more special events.

If approved, the hours for the D.O.R.A. will be from noon to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday throughout the year.

First Ward Councilman Clark Crago questioned whether it should be preempted by homecoming, Halloween and Christmas parades that proceed through that area.

He made a motion for such a condition, but it failed to receive a second.

During the public hearing, council also heard from Brionna Langley, a local bartender who said pub crawls held in recent years by local bars haven’t caused any problems.

She said within the D.O.R.A., patrons can walk, instead of driving, between their destinations and visitors to Frog’s Place and others may use the public shelter adjacent to the bar’s parking lot.

LeMasters and others said organizers of the Wing Fest and pub crawls paid for additional police officers during those events and would do the same for future special events.

Parker said he believes the D.O.R.A. would help to attract visitors to the amphitheater planned for the vacant lot remaining from the impending demolition of the former Cooper Hardware building at North Third and Market streets.

Council President Frank McEwen said crews with Modarelli Excavating of Poland, Ohio, brought equipment to the site on Thursday but learned a larger piece of equipment and additional permitting are needed to bring down the three-story structure.

Parker said they are expected to return on Aug. 11. He said Market Street and the alley running behind the building and others are expected to be closed for at least a few days, while a section of North Third Street also may be closed for a short time.

The deteriorating building was acquired by the Jefferson County Land Bank, which is paying for its $121,700 demolition and is slated to turn over its ownership to the city.

In other business, council opened bids for two vacant, city-owned lots at 110 and 112 North Fourth Street.

They were: $3,601 from Ralph and Rebecca LeMasters and $4,000 from KnightTime Creations, a local business.

The city’s board of controls, which is comprised of the mayor, city services director and city safety director, is slated to consider the bids and possibly accept one on Friday.