Major DORA Expansion Proposed
City Council — Lakewood - Downtown
An unpublicized item on next week's City Council agenda shows a proposal to massively expand the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) down Detroit Ave. This will significantly impact foot traffic and patio permitting for local bars.
Sources within Lakewood's city government have shared an advance copy of next Tuesday's council agenda that includes a significant expansion of the city's Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA). The proposal would extend the current DORA boundaries from the existing three-block radius near the Discount Drug Mart Plaza all the way down Detroit Avenue to the intersection at Arthur Avenue. This would effectively triple the size of the area where patrons can carry open alcoholic beverages between participating establishments. Why This Matters: - Bar and restaurant owners in the expansion zone could see a significant boost in foot traffic - Property values in the corridor may increase - Residents near the expansion may have concerns about noise and public behavior - The vote is expected to be close, with at least two council members expressing reservations The public comment period opens at 7pm on Tuesday. Business owners who want to voice support should plan to attend.