Marty Gordon
NRVsports@mainstreetnewspapers.com
Blacksburg officials are examining the results of a recent consultant’s study recommending a “Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area” in the downtown area.
This past week, council discussed the matter during a work session.
In 2021, Virginia adopted legislation to allow local governments to establish by ordinance, up to three Designated Refreshment Areas (DORAs), which would permit the consumption of alcoholic beverages within the designated area. Virginia ABC has the regulatory authority to approve a DORA, which are most likely to be located in entertainment or downtown districts.
A DORA license authorizes the licensee to permit the consumption of alcoholic beverages within the area designated by the board. Only alcoholic beverages purchased from permanent retail on-premises licensees located within the designated area may be consumed. Events are limited to 16 per year, however, localities may submit an ordinance to increase the number of events per year.
Town council must adopt an ordinance that specifies requirements of the statute including the size and boundaries of the DORA, a public safety plan, and any other considerations deemed necessary by ABC.
Blacksburg has discussed a DORA for the College Street/Draper Road area. College Street is one-way, while Draper is closed between College and Jackson Street.
In the report issued by Downtown Strategies, a leading national firm for downtown revitalization planning with an emphasis on real estate and retail, they recommend Blacksburg move forward with the idea.
The report said while there is sometimes fear of implementing an open container district in a college town or in an area with high numbers of young consumers, anecdotal information and case studies indicate that the creation of these districts can significantly boost vibrancy and vitality by engaging people and encouraging them to spend more time and money in the given area.
Abingdon implemented a similar DORA, enabling visitors to enjoy alcoholic beverages in designated outdoor spaces within the town. Danville, Norton, Fredericksburg and Leesburg are other Commonwealth examples of successful implementation of this economic tool.
In 2024, the temporary elements added along Draper Road transitioned from temporary to semi-permanent installations. The roadway will be permanently upgraded and transformed to include expanded paver sidewalks, outdoor dining spaces, lighting upgrades, and other enhancements.
The town has applied for Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Revenue Sharing funds to help fund the long-term construction of Draper Road. While these funds will help split the costs of construction in half, Blacksburg will not have access to these funds until 2027. Therefore, the final streetscape design will take place in 2027, followed by construction in 2028.