AMHERST – Amherst City Council’s Ordinance Committee spent much of its April 20 meeting weighing a proposal that could significantly change how the city’s downtown operates during the summer months.
The proposal would expand Amherst’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) from its current use during special events to a daily operation from noon to 10 p.m., running May 15 through September 27 on a trial basis.
Businesses Back the Idea
Supporters of the proposal say the change could help energize downtown and support local businesses.
Councilman David Janik said feedback from business owners has been overwhelmingly positive, noting that roughly 88 percent of businesses within the DORA area support the expansion. The goal, he said, is to allow visitors to casually walk the downtown area with a drink, creating a more relaxed and social atmosphere.
Local business owners echoed that sentiment during the meeting, saying they expect modest increases in foot traffic and sales but not an overwhelming surge in crowds.
Safety and Staffing Raise Concerns
City officials, however, urged caution.
Police Chief James Cawthon outlined several challenges that could come with shifting from occasional event-based use to a daily DORA. Among the concerns were increased calls for service, the need for additional officers, and the possibility of more alcohol-related incidents.
Cawthon also noted enforcement challenges, including people carrying drinks beyond designated boundaries and the potential for increased pedestrian traffic interacting with vehicles.
Mayor Mark Costilow said the administration did not submit the proposal and raised concerns about the city’s ability to manage the added workload. While he supports the current special-event format, he questioned whether the city has the staffing and financial resources to support a daily operation.
Officials estimated that maintaining proper coverage could require up to four officers if the DORA were active full-time.
Questions Remain on Impact
Council members also raised questions about how success would be measured.
Councilman Jake Wachholz asked what data could be used to determine whether the expanded DORA is beneficial, including whether it would lead to increased sales or improved downtown activity. At this point, no clear metrics have been established, though ideas such as tracking DORA cup usage were discussed.
There were also questions about whether residents and businesses outside the DORA zone had been consulted. Council members confirmed that outreach had primarily focused on businesses within the designated area.
Decision Delayed
After discussion, the committee voted 6-1 to table the proposal, allowing time to gather additional data and evaluate potential impacts before making a final decision.
That means the expansion is not off the table, but it will return for further consideration at a future meeting.
For now, Amherst’s DORA will remain limited to special events while council members continue to weigh the balance between economic development and public safety.
