WARREN — City Council voted 7-3 Wednesday to renew the city’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) for another year, repealing and replacing last year’s ordinance to allow patrons to carry alcoholic beverages in specially approved colored plastic containers while walking between participating downtown businesses during designated times.

The DORA, which is authorized by the state in municipalities with populations of more than 35,000, covers a multi-block area in downtown Warren and encompasses at least 12 qualified liquor permit holders.

The hours generally run from noon on Fridays to 11:59 p.m. Sundays, plus expansions for holidays and special events such as St. Patrick’s Day, New Year’s Eve, Mardi Gras, Memorial Day and others.

The ordinance includes requirements for signage, a public health and safety plan, a sanitation plan and use of colored plastic containers to promote public safety. Council must review the DORA again in one year.

The Downtown Warren Alliance originally applied for the designation, which first took effect in 2024.

During Wednesday’s regular meeting, Councilman James Shaffer, D-4th Ward, who sponsored the legislation, highlighted its benefits for downtown revitalization.

“These businesses have worked very, very hard to spruce up their businesses … and the head of this, Sean (Carvin), said the business people want this,” Shaffer said. He cited revenue increases of approximately 13-15% for participating establishments during events, including a reported 12-14% boost for one business like Urban Tap on East Market Street during St. Patrick’s Day weekend.

Police reported no incidents or crime complaints related to the DORA during its first year of operation, with cleanup described as effective and the area left “spotless” after events.

Discussion at the caucus meeting and again on the council floor centered on whether to exclude Bushwick, a business on South Street (U.S. Route 422) because of concerns over the DORA’s size and pedestrian safety when crossing the road.

Councilman Ron White, D-7th Ward, voted no, citing safety risks from crossing South Street, which he described as busy with vehicles often exceeding the 25 mph limit. He said he would support the measure if Bushwick was removed.

“I’m not anti-business,” White said. “But again, I love safety … crossing South Street is something that I’m adamant on.”

Councilwoman Helen Rucker, D-at Large, also expressed reservations about the DORA’s expanded size spanning two streets over a busy road compared to more compact entertainment districts in other cities like Youngstown.

She said the addition of transportation options by organizers is a positive development that could mitigate risks, but still said she wanted her concerns about safety to be recorded for the record. Rucker ultimately voted in favor.

“I do believe that it is too large, but … I’m glad that it’s going forward. I’m glad that the police department is okay with how it’s performed in the past year,” Rucker said.

Shaffer and Michael Shrodek, D-5th Ward, pushed back against singling out any business, arguing it would send the wrong message to entrepreneurs investing in downtown Warren, which has recently lost several businesses.

They both noted the presence of traffic lights and crosswalks, and organizers’ plans to provide shuttle buses or vans to transport patrons between establishments, reducing the need to cross streets on foot.