Council schedules public hearing for DORA reauthorization, approves small boundary and hours changes

The Gahanna City Council on July 21 set an August 4 public hearing and moved a reauthorization ordinance for the city’s designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA, locally called CORA) to the regular agenda for Aug. 18 after staff outlined program results and two proposed changes.

Director Gautke (Economic Development) reviewed statutory requirements in the Ohio Revised Code for a DORA and summarized five years of local experience. Staff reported no CORA‑attributed police incidents in 2023–24, said sanitation workloads did not increase, and noted participating businesses sold nearly 14,000 DORA cups in 2023–24; at an illustrative $6 per beverage that would represent about $84,000 in direct beverage sales to participating establishments.

Two business‑requested changes were put forward with staff recommendation: (1) standardize CORA hours to daily 11 a.m.–11 p.m., except Mondays–Wednesdays when hours would be 3 p.m.–11 p.m.; and (2) extend the eastern boundary one block to include the west side of Short Street so additional businesses—cited by staff as Fable Collection and another retail tenant—could participate. Staff noted businesses may opt in or out and that servers must use approved non‑glass containers and receive training under the statute. The sanitary containers and compostable cups used in the district were highlighted; staff said a $35,000 SWACO grant funded additional recycling containers.

Council members asked whether any businesses had refused participation (staff said no businesses had requested a “no‑CORA” sticker) and whether expansion would conflict with school‑proximity liquor restrictions; staff said Ohio Revised Code does not impose a required buffer around schools for a DORA, though local liquor‑license objections can create a 500‑foot restriction on some licenses in some circumstances. Councilmembers also asked that updated boundary signage be installed if the ordinance is amended.

After discussion the council asked that the DORA reauthorization appear on the Aug. 4 agenda for the public hearing and then return for a second reading and vote on Aug. 18 on the regular agenda.

Staff said the city’s annual CORA committee (city staff, business stakeholders and Visit Gahanna representatives) meets to review operations and that the changes were recommended with that group’s input and with business support.