Mishawaka council seeking input on whether to allow open drinks in area of Ironworks Plaza
MISHAWAKA — The city wants to allow people to carry alcoholic drinks outdoors in a designated area in Ironworks Plaza and Beutter Park under a proposed ordinance being studied by the Common Council.
The ordinance establishing a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) has been submitted to the Common Council for consideration. The measure was introduced to the council on Aug. 7.
An informational meeting to discuss the proposal before the council's public safety committee will take place at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the City Hall Council Chambers, 100 Lincoln Way W. The meeting will be shown on a livestream on the city of Mishawaka's Facebook page.
Related development: Mishawaka officials to vote on proposed $63M 'The Mill' apartment complex project
Cities throughout the state are looking to set up areas to allow people more freedom to carry drinks in areas where bars and restaurants are located. The Indiana General Assembly passed a law that allowed the DORA process that went into effect on July 1.
The ordinance would allow licensed businesses to sell alcoholic drinks that people could carry outside the establishments in specially designated cups. People would be allowed to take up to two drinks in a designated area bounded the St. Joseph River to the north, Front Street to the south, Main Street to the east and the area to the west where The Mill Phase II apartment complex will be constructed in the coming years.
Many communities have set up DORAs to stimulate economic development and bring people to the area as a way to enhance the visitor experiences. The city would also need approval from the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission to establish the district.
Matt Lentsch, director of development and governmental affairs with the city, said the ordinance is patterned after other cities and towns that have set up DORAs, like Shelbyville, Ind., and Niles.
"We have taken the best parts after looking at more than 20 cities, and we have seen that these areas have exceeded their expectations," Lentsch said. "This allows for folks to have more freedom of movement where people can pick the vendor of their choice."
Market Basket: Social Cantina opens in growing Mishawaka riverfront area
Three current businesses within the DORA boundaries — Sun King Brewery, Social Cantina and Mishawaka Public House — have registered with the city to take part in the program.
No drinks would be allowed to be brought into the area. The area would have signs at its boundaries telling people of the designated rules for carrying alcoholic beverages.
Lentsch said cities that have set up DORAS have seen better foot traffic in the areas, while supporting the vendors and the vendors who seek temporary permits during scheduled events.
For example, Lentsch said, patrons waiting for tables at the restaurants in the DORA could grab a drink and wait in the park within the area's boundaries.
Planned events also could make it easier for those attending concerts or events to stop at the participating vendors for refreshments they can bring to the park.
Market Basket: Public House joins a growing number of restaurants and activities on Mishawaka's riverfront
As part of the DORA, the city's sanitation department would establish a cleanup plan, and the police department would set up its safety plan.
Also, Lentsch said, there would be established hours when the DORA would be in effect. "It would not be a 24-7 situation," he said.
"What we have seen with cities that have set up these areas is that it has lived up to their expectations," he said.
After Monday's informational meeting, the council is expected to take up the measure with a second reading of the ordinance and a public hearing at a later meeting, likely in September.
Email Tribune staff writer Greg Swiercz at gswiercz@sbtinfo.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Mishawaka eeking Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area for downtown
