Fulton County Ohio Media

Following a Public Hearing on October 11^th to discuss proposed legislation for establishing a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in downtown Swanton, the Swanton Village Council approved the first reading of the ordinance, but said they would take into consideration all the concerns and comments expressed by members of the public who voiced their opinions before the second reading came to a vote.  In the State of Ohio, a DORA allows visitors aged 21 and older to consume alcoholic beverages outdoors and in participating businesses within the area’s boundaries, during designated hours, and according to DORA rules. 

Given the opportunity to speak first were three people who were against the legislation as it was written.  Collectively, they stated they were not diametrically opposed to the DORA, however, they all felt the boundaries encompassed too large of an area and it included the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks, servicing 100 or more trains a day, creating, in their opinion, a safety issue.

Speaking for the legislation, several business owners and residents emphasized the economic advantages the DORA would provide such as a growth in business in the downtown and a much-needed increase in the Village’s tax base to help maintain basic Village services without adding to the tax burden on Swanton residents.

When the Council reconvened on October 24^th for their regularly scheduled meeting, a modified ordinance was presented which scaled back the boundaries to eliminate the railroad tracks and any residential housing.  The revised boundaries would now include both corners of North Main Street and Zeiter Way, containing the Swanton Chamber of Commerce Building and adjacent park and parking lot on the South side and Benfield Wines, Hubbs Bar and a section of Fulton Street on the North side.

Prior to the vote on the second reading of the amended ordinance, Mayor Neil Toeppe solicited comments from the public.  Six members of the audience spoke, all in support of the DORA.  Last to give their opinion was Swanton resident Eric Butler who witnessed the previous Council meeting while it was live-streamed on the Village’s Facebook page and felt compelled to attend and speak out on the issue.

Mr. Butler spoke of recently meeting Patrick Lahey, a restaurant owner, who started the first DORA in Toledo on Adams Street and how it turned an economically depressed area into one that is now thriving in spite of early fears from the public it would lead to an increase in crime and bad behavior.  “There are new businesses, there are things that have come along with an opportunity,” he said.  “I truly think this town needs an opportunity.”

Mr. Butler cautioned to not give into the fears, some that were expressed at the public hearing, that having an open container of alcohol in downtown Swanton would turn the area into a “crime zone.”  “It gives people the opportunity to see what we have to offer.  I’m old enough to remember when the downtown area was vibrant.  And, that’s lacking today,” he stated. 

“Hopefully it brings things back.  Hopefully, that gives life to an area so that we new businesses, we have fresh faces, we have an opportunity for people to say, ‘Hey that’s a nice place to live.’  Now we have a tax base.  Maybe our schools will pick up on that.  We’re doing everything we can right now to drive revenue for a new baseball stadium so our children will have a decent place to play baseball.  That comes with people wanting to come to town.  That comes with people wanting to be a part of what Swanton has to offer.”

Later in the meeting, Council unanimously approved the second reading of the DORA ordinance with Council members Dave Pilliod, Sam Disbrow, Patrick Messenger, Mikey Disbrow and Mr. Kania voting “YES”.  Councilwoman Diane Westhoven was not in attendance.  The third and final reading will be voted on at the next Council meeting on November 14, 2022.  If approved, the legislation will become law 30 days from approval.