Discussion surrounds possible DORA in downtown Mishawaka

 

UPDATE: The Mishawaka Common Council, in a meeting on November 20, voted to postpone DORA expansion plans indefinitely. 

If approved, DORA--designated outdoor refreshment area--would have allowed community members to sip and stroll around Mishawaka's Riverwalk while supporting local businesses Sun King, Social Cantina and the Mishawaka Public House. 

The discussion to institute a DORA in Mishawaka previously faced pushback from locals concerned about public safety. 

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- Lots of discussion Monday night, August 14, at Mishawaka City Hall regarding the possibility of a ‘DORA’ in its downtown riverwalk area. 

 A designated outdoor refreshment area, or DORA, would allow adults 21 and over to purchase alcoholic beverages from participating vendors and be able to walk around outside with their drinks within the designated limits.  

While there seems to be great support for the idea of a sip and stroll, some council members and residents have concerns. 

“The whole idea is they purchase a drink, they go out but stay within the area, and they have a beverage,” explained Matthew Lentsch, Executive Director for Development and Governmental Affairs for the City of Mishawaka. “A sip and stroll, they go to the Biergarten, and enjoy our great parks that we have in downtown Mishawaka.”  

The plan for a Mishawaka DORA would set a boundary around Beutter Park, Ironworks Plaza, and the Biergarten, which would allow people to take an alcoholic drink from Sun King, Social Cantina, or the Mishawaka Public House to simply enjoy outside of those businesses.  

The idea, pitched at tonight’s Public Health and Safety Committee meeting by the Mayor’s office, who said similar ordinances in other communities promote business in those areas.  

It was also backed by the Parks department and the Mishawaka Police Chief who says the idea doesn’t concern him safety-wise. 

“I think there needs to be a lot of serious consideration by the administration and the council on how to best implement it,” said Mishawaka resident, Christy Miller. 

Others, like Miller, brought up concerns about underage drinking as well as drinking behind the wheel.  

Some arguing at Monday night's meeting that more strict guidelines need to be discussed before they can hop on board.  

“Whether that’s guaranteeing that there’s enough police on site or security whatever the case may be or using wristbands or hand stamps or something like that,” Miller said. 

After the long discussion with many concerns and questions, the council has pushed back the date it will make a vote on the DORA. 

Councilmembers expect a vote won't happen until sometime in September. 

If it does get approved, it will simply work as a trial-run first.