DORA Program’s Outdoor Refreshment Area and Beverage Service Takes Center Stage in Huntingburg

Huntingburg - With the year-end fast approaching, the city of Huntingburg held their Common Council and Utility Board meeting on the evening of December 19th. 

The transit, gas, and other utilities departments provided updates related to winter issues and year end due diligence. Of note, a gas main was relocated with great efficiency, getting the space ready in time for a ribbon cutting, and a number of well-used utility poles and trucks were designated for surplus. City attorney Phil Schneider presented the meeting’s most noteworthy item as he brought forth to the board motion 2023-27, related to the DORA – Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area – program. If fully adopted, this program would allow enrolled downtown businesses to provide customers with specifically branded receptacles that would allow them to take alcoholic beverages into the designated area outside and even into other participating businesses. A handful of storefronts downtown have agreed to participate. They are all located within a few square blocks from 4th and Geiger, east to Jackson Street, and south to the alley behind 4th past Main all the way to 3rd . 

 While only a few businesses are currently enrolled, temporary events could be approved under the same restrictions. City attorney Schneider said this is a program that has worked well elsewhere in the state, saying, “There was special legislation for Indianapolis during the Superbowl the year they hosted the Superbowl, and that proved to be very successful for Indianapolis. And so, finally it’s been opened, so Huntingburg’s taking advantage of it.” 

 Clear signage will be posted on where beverages are allowed to be taken outside. And while that signage is at the city’s expense, it is expected to be a nominal one, while the influx of business and revenue could be significant. Mayor Steve Schwinghamer said he thinks he has received a call once or twice a week over the past few months asking if the city would consider participating in this program. Careful consideration was taken during the process to make sure that all potentially affected downtown businesses were notified and signed off. One council member touted the respectful and courteous way that this was handled, specifically in making sure that local churches and businesses were aware of the restrictions and given the choice to opt in or not. The board unanimously passed motion 2023-27, and began the adoption process. Preparations will begin as they await state approval, a process that could take three to four weeks. DORA stands to significantly improve customer patronage at local businesses, and the council seems to think that it will go well with many of Huntingburg’s recent program additions. 

 At the end of their final meeting of 2023, council members applauded outgoing mayor Schwinghamer as well as board member José Dubon, who represented the 4th district. Their time in office was marked by significant improvements to downtown and a general feeling of collaboration among the board members. 

 For more information on these and other updates, visit www.huntingburg-in.gov.