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APPLICATION FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF A DESIGNATED

OUTDOOR REFRESHMENT AREA
Pursuant to Section 4301.82 of the Ohio Revised Code (“ORC”), Andrew J. Ginther, Mayor of the City of
Columbus (the City), respectfully submits this application to Columbus City Council for designation and
approval of the area depicted and described below as an outdoor refreshment area (referred to herein
as the “DORA”), with such area generally encompassing the neighborhood known as the Arena District
and also including Nationwide Arena, Huntington Park, and Crew Stadium.

Population Requirements:

Pursuant to requirements of ORC 4301.83(D), the City of Columbus is a municipal corporation with a
population of more than fifty thousand and this would be the first DORA that we are requesting of the
four that we are allowed to create.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the population of City of Columbus on July 1, 2019 is 898,553. 1

Boundaries of the DORA:

1
U.S. Census Bureau (2019). QuickFacts Columbus city, Ohio. Retrieved from
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/columbuscityohio.

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See larger version attached as Exhibit A.

The DORA will cover the above-depicted approximately 19.55 acre area, described more particularly as
follows: Beginning at the southeast corner of the intersection of Vine Street and Front Street and
continuing south along the alleyway from Vine Street to Batelle Plaza and the alleyway below the
mezzanine portion of the building located at 401 N. Front Street, then extending west from the
intersection of Nationwide Boulevard and Front Street (including the crosswalk at the intersection of
Nationwide Boulevard and Front Street) continuing along both sides of Nationwide Boulevard (including
the crosswalk at the intersection of Nationwide Boulevard and Neil Avenue and at the intersection of
Nationwide Boulevard and Hanover Street) stopping at the eastern edge of the pedestrian footbridge
across the Scioto River. The DORA will also include the area beginning at the southwest intersection of
Nationwide Boulevard and Marconi Boulevard and continuing south along the west side of Marconi
Boulevard to Locust Boulevard. In addition, the DORA will include the area beginning at the intersection
of Nationwide Boulevard and West Street and continuing south along West Street to Spring Street,
the area beginning at the intersection of Nationwide Boulevard and John H. McConnell Boulevard and
continuing south along both sides of John H. McConnell Boulevard (including the sidewalk areas along
McFerson Commons) to Spring Street as well as the area beginning at the southwest intersection of West
Street and Spring Street and continuing west along both sides of Spring Street (including McFerson
Commons and the sidewalk areas along McFerson Commons) to the southeast intersection of Spring
Street and Neil Avenue. The DORA will also run on both sides of New Public Lane from Neil Avenue to
John H. McConnell Boulevard. The DORA will also include the area starting at the northern intersection
of Nationwide Boulevard and Columbus Crew Way and continuing north along both sides of Columbus
Crew Way to the southern intersection with Nordecke Drive and then extending east along Nordecke
Drive to the eastern end of pedestrian plaza area as well as the sidewalks leading up to and around the
mixed-use building at the northern intersection of Nationwide Boulevard and Neiland Drive. Lastly the
boundaries of the DORA will extend along the east side of Neil Avenue from Brodbelt Lane, including the
green space behind the building located at 240-290 Nationwide Boulevard and continuing along the east
side of Neil Avenue south to the Spring Street crosswalk as well as along the west side of Neil Avenue from
the railroad tracks and continuing south along the west side of Neil Avenue (including any pedestrian
walkways and plaza entrances along the way) to Spring Street.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the exact operational boundaries of the DORA may be adjusted or more
specifically delineated by the Mayor or his designee in order to accommodate existing improvements or
for health, safety, or other reasonable operational purposes.

A list of all parcels and street addresses included in the DORA are listed below in Exhibit B.

Overview of DORA and Operations

In July, 2013, the City of Columbus created the Downtown District by the passage of Ordinance No. 1532-
2013 (the Ordinance), which District includes the Arena District. The Ordinance recognized that
downtown Columbus serves as the center of government, corporate business, professional sports,
conventions and tourism, the arts, museums and entertainment. In addition, the Ordinance highlighted
that downtown Columbus is the place for regional-scale public open spaces connecting the Scioto River
and integrating a variety of cultural and recreational facilities enhancing the quality of life of Columbus’
residents, driving travel and tourism, and creating economic impact. Lastly, the Ordinance acknowledged
that downtown Columbus was developing into its own neighborhood with a growing amount of

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residences supporting retail, personal services, restaurants and parks in a walkable environment creating
year-round energy and excitement.

The creation of the proposed DORA is in accord with these principles. First, the DORA will create an area
where pedestrians are welcome to enjoy the Arena District. Pedestrians will be able to travel between
the restaurants and the multiple sporting venues and public open spaces where many public events are
held. Each of these events draw a diverse group of residents and visitors to the Arena District and
downtown Columbus. Second, the establishment of the DORA will be an excellent opportunity for the
City to have its residents, as well as visitors to Columbus, experience firsthand all of the positive energy
and improvements that have been made within the Arena District as well as the downtown area as a
whole, including the three premier sports and entertainment venues (Nationwide Arena, Huntington Park,
Crew Stadium) as well as the progressive riverfront area and Scioto Mile. Establishing the DORA will help
capitalize on and showcase these efforts.

Approval of the DORA will allow participating bars, restaurants, and other vendors to sell alcoholic
beverages in designated eco-friendly plastic containers to patrons. Patrons will then be legally allowed to
depart the establishment or site where the beverage was purchased and move freely around within the
DORA with that beverage. The designated eco-friendly plastic containers will be provided by the LLC to
the brick and mortar establishments or other approved outdoor vendors, such as for special events.
Examples of cup designs are depicted in Exhibit C. All vendors must still maintain required liquor permits
to sell alcohol in accordance with state law. All property owners and establishments have the option of
opting-out of participating in the DORA. In accordance with state law, patrons may only leave
establishments with alcoholic beverages in the designated eco-friendly plastic containers. Further, no
outside alcoholic drinks are permitted—meaning only alcoholic drinks that are purchased in the
designated eco-friendly plastic container and from a properly permitted vendor in the DORA may be
enjoyed outside. Signage, as further described below, will inform patrons of the rules and boundaries of
the DORA.

The DORA is being launched in partnership with the AD DORA, LLC (the LLC). The City will contract with
the LLC in a supplemental memorandum of understanding to operate and manage the DORA to provide
marketing, the production and distribution of signage throughout the DORA as well as the designated eco-
friendly plastic containers. In addition, when the DORA is activated on a Game Day (as defined below),
the LLC will provide supplemental sanitation services to ensure a safe and clean public space. All of these
services will be provided by the LLC only within the footprint of the original DORA as described in this
application.

The LLC was initially funded by the DORA participants and its continued operations will be funded through
these existing resources and from revenue collected by the fee paid by Special Event organizers in
connection with the activation of the DORA. The provision by the LLC of these operational and
management services to the DORA, will allow the City to operate the DORA safely, efficiently, and without
any ongoing increased financial commitment by the City.

Health and Safety

The City and the LLC are committed to ensuring the health and safety of patrons of the DORA and
cleanliness of the area.

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Precinct 16, which is on Patrol Zone 5, encompasses Downtown Columbus and the Short North District.
The proposed DORA area includes the Arena District, Huntington Park, and the soon to be completed
New Crew Stadium.

There are adequate officers and supervisors assigned to the precinct on any given shift to effectively patrol
the DORA. These patrol officers are also augmented with additional patrol units that work varying shifts
which start during mid-morning and mid evening shifts.

Of the officers assigned to Precinct 16, a number of them are designated as bicycle officers. The precinct
substation located at 333 W. Town Street is approximately .5 miles from the DORA.

There is also a Zone 5 Community Response Team, which is a group of officers responsible for problem-
oriented policing projects on the zone, as well as patrolling other public events. This team is also housed
at the substation. The entire team of officers and a sergeant are bike-certified.

The following safety plan is currently implemented on each Game Day for the Columbus Blue Jackets, the
Columbus Clippers and the Columbus Crew (each, the Home Team).

- Columbus Blue Jackets –between 10 – 15 special duty City of Columbus police officers are on
site to manage traffic and safety outside of Nationwide Arena before and after every home
game with the CBJ engaging additional special duty police officers to support safety needs
inside the Arena. The total number of officers on-site varies based on the game time and
expected crowd size.
- Columbus Clippers - 6 Franklin County sheriff deputies are on site to support traffic and safety
outside of Huntington Park before and after every home game as well as to support any safety
needs inside the Park during the game. Two additional special duty City of Columbus police
officers are also engaged to manage traffic and safety outside of the Park before and after
every home game.
- Columbus Crew - 16 special duty City of Columbus police officers will be onsite to manage
traffic and safety needs before and after every home game.

In addition, at the expense of the applicable Home Team, two special duty City of Columbus bike patrol
officers will initially be required to ensure public safety in the DORA on most Game Days; provided,
however the continuing need for such officers will continually be assessed by the City.

The City’s Department of Public Service (“DPS”) empties the public trash receptacles within the Arena
District each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Each run requires one staff member per truck.
Additionally, the City provides regular street sweeping in the Arena District from April 1 to November 1.

The Recreation and Parks Department (“R&P”) provides sanitation services within City parks in the Arena
District including McFerson Commons each Monday and Friday. Each run requires up to 2 staff members.
Applicants must provide a sanitation plan to R&P in order to receive a Special Events Permit and the City
will work with all Special Event organizers to require those organizers to provide, at their expense,
additional trash receptacles and/or sanitation services as deemed necessary in the City’s reasonable
discretion.

The City believes the current DPS and R&P staffing levels and services are sufficient to adequately maintain
the appearance and public health when the DORA is created. However, the City and the LLC will

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continually assess the sanitation service levels and staffing needs and the LLC will provide any
supplementary sanitation services on Game Days needed to keep the DORA area in a clean, safe, and
sanitary state.

Further, the City will continually assess the public safety and sanitation needs on an ongoing basis, and
the City will work with the LLC, the applicable Home Team (s) and/or the Special Event organizers to
require those organizers to provide additional sanitation or security detail as deemed necessary in the
City’s reasonable discretion, such as when multiple sporting or Special Events are occurring
simultaneously .

Hours of Operation – Game Days

The DORA will operate on all home Columbus Blue Jackets, Columbus Clippers, and Columbus Crew game
days starting three (3) hours prior to the start of the game and continuing until 11:59 PM on that same
day (each, a Game Day).

Hours of Operation – Special Events

In addition, the DORA may be operated during Special Events (which are defined as events, other than a
Game Day) occurring within or adjacent to the DORA boundaries in partnership with the City and the LLC.
Event organizers wishing to plan Special Events within the DORA shall use the Event Planning
Guide (located on the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department webpage) to efficiently plan and
execute a successful event. This guide includes permit applications, a directory of city department
contacts, selection of venue maps, an overview of city regulations and fees for city services. The Special
Event organizer can also elect to activate the DORA through this same online application process and by
working with the Recreation and Parks Department Office of Special Events who will work with the LLC to
develop operational parameters for hosting special events within or adjacent to the DORA that balance
the interests of all stakeholders. If activated for a Special Event, the DORA would be activated beginning
at the time included in the application and continuing until 11:59 p.m. on that same day. In addition, the
Special Event organizer (excluding the City, the LLC and any Home Team) will pay an activation fee to the
LLC.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Mayor or designee will retain the discretion to
temporarily suspend the operations of the DORA or alter operational parameters at his or her sole
discretion if determined necessary for public health, safety, or welfare.

Signage
In accordance with ORC 4301.82(F), clearly marked signs will delineate the boundaries of the DORA.
Additionally, signage will be placed within the DORA to notify patrons of the rules of operation. If any
additional signage is needed, then that signage will be provided by the organizer of the Special Event or
the LLC. Examples of signage designs are depicted in Exhibit C. The signage throughout the original DORA
will be paid for and maintained by the LLC throughout the life of the DORA.

The proposed plan for signage is to have signage permanently installed at each of the natural pedestrian
points of ingress and egress throughout the DORA to notify the general public of the boundaries of the
DORA footprint, with an estimated 40 signs needed to clearly demarcate the boundary. Additional signs

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will be added in the interior to demarcate operational boundaries, as determined necessary by DPS and
the City and the LLC will assess the need for changes in the location of signage on an ongoing basis.

Additional Rules and Requirements

The Mayor or their Designee may establish additional rules and regulations for operation of the DORA and
will update such rules and regulations from time to time as deemed necessary for public health, safety,
or operational purposes; provided however, such rules will always require that all alcoholic drinks served
to be consumed outside of establishments within the DORA shall be served in a designated eco-friendly
plastic container.

Nature of Establishments
In accordance with ORC 4301.82(B)(2), the nature and types of establishments that will be located within
the DORA are a broad array of institutions, businesses, and uses—including two professional sports
stadiums, an indoor arena, a 3 acre public park, offices, retail, residences, and numerous drinking and
dining establishments. There is no intention of changing the nature and types of establishments in the
area. Instead, once operational, the DORA will support these establishments by attracting additional
customers, residents, and workers. A current list of existing establishments is below:

Name Category Address Street Zip

Office Office Multi-Tenant 111 W Nationwide Blvd. 43215
Wario's Beef and Pork Dining/Bars
Office Office Multi-Tenant 125 W Nationwide Blvd. 43215
Rodizio Grill Dining/Bars
Nelson's Convenience Store Convenience Store 155 W Nationwide Blvd. 43215
Office Office Multi-Tenant
Zoup Dining/Bars
Jimmy John's Gourmet Dining/Bars 171 W Nationwide Blvd. 43215
Sandwiches
Office Office Multi-Tenant 175 W Nationwide Blvd. 43215
Boston's Pizza Dining/Bars 191 W Nationwide Blvd. 43215
Office Office Multi-Tenant
Ted's Montana Grill Dining/Bars
Nationwide Arena Entertainment & Sports Stadium 200 W Nationwide Blvd. 43215
Nada Dining/Bars 220 W Nationwide Blvd. 43215
Office Building Office Multi-Tenant 230 West St. 43215
Parks Edge Condominiums Residential - Condos 250 W Spring St. 43215
Burnham Square Residential - Condos 250 Daniel Burnham Sq. 43215
Condominiums
Office Office Multi-Tenant 250 West St. 43215
Dale's Deli Dining/Bars 262 Neil Ave. 43215
Office Office Multi-Tenant
Office Office Multi-Tenant 277 W Nationwide Blvd. 43215
Sunny Street Café Dining/Bars

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BD's Mongolian Grill Dining/Bars 295 Marconi Blvd. 43215
The Condominiums at North Residential - Condos 300 W Spring St. 43215
Bank Park
Office Office Multi-Tenant 305 W Nationwide Blvd. 43215
Arena District Athletic Club Gym 325 John H McConnell 43215
Office Office Multi-Tenant Blvd.
Huntington Park Entertainment & Sports Stadium 330 Huntington Park Ln. 43215
Office Office Multi-Tenant 333 W Nationwide Blvd. 43215
Buca di Beppo Dining/Bars 343 N Front St. 43215
Office Office Multi-Tenant
Whistle & Keg Dining/Bars
Office Office Multi-Tenant 353 W Nationwide Blvd. 43215
Office Office Multi-Tenant 375 N Front St. 43215
Starbucks Dining/Bars
Office Office Multi-Tenant 383 N Front St. 43215
Office Office Multi-Tenant 390 W Nationwide Blvd. 43215
A&R Music Bar Concert & Performance Venue 391 Neil Ave. 43215
The Basement Concert & Performance Venue
Office Office Multi-Tenant 400 W Nationwide Blvd. 43215
Big Bang Dueling Piano Bar Dining/Bars 401 N Front. St. 43215
Chipotle Dining/Bars
Restaurant Dining/Bars
Office Office Multi-Tenant
Restaurant Dining/Bars
Veranico Kitchen Dining/Bars
Express LIVE Concert & Performance Venue 405 Neil Ave. 43215
Office Office Multi-Tenant 405 N Front St. 43215
Half Pint Dining/Bars 415 N Front St. 43215
Office Office Multi-Tenant
R Bar Arena Dining/Bars
Arena Crossing Apartments Residential - Apartments 423 N Front St. 43215
Office Office Multi-Tenant 425 W Nationwide Blvd. 43215
Betty's Bar Dining/Bars 435 W Nationwide Blvd. 43215
Buggyworks Residential - Condos 448 W Nationwide Blvd. 43215
Astor Park/Crew Stadium Entertainment & Sports Stadium 550 W Nationwide Blvd. / 43215
Columbus Crew Way
Office Office Multi-Tenant 240/290 W Nationwide Blvd. 43215

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Qualified Permit Holders
As required by ORC 4301.82(B)(3), the DORA will encompass not fewer than four qualified permit holders
of A-1, A-1-A, A-1c, A-2, A-2f, or D class liquor permits (excluding D-6 and D-8 class liquor permits) issued
under ORC Chapter 4303.

To date at least 12 current qualified permit holders, as that term is defined in ORC 4301(A)(1), have been
identified in the DORA, as follows:

# Permit Holder DBA Name Permit Number Permit Address

Class(es)
1 TMG Restaurants, LLC Ted’s Montana 8948216 D5J, D6 191 W. Nationwide
Grill Blvd.
2 Spartan Mongo III Inc. Mongolian 8410820 D5J, D6 295 Marconi Blvd.
Barbeque
3 NAP Venture Partners LLC ExpressLive 6276767 D5J, D6 391-405 Neil Ave.
4 199 NWB LLC Boston’s 6548422 D5J, D6 199 W. Nationwide
Blvd.
5 NM Darr Inc. R Bar 6430386-0001 D5J 413 N. Front Street
6 RBS Columbus LLC Rodizio Grill 7229152 D5J, D6 125 W. Nationwide
Blvd.
7 NADA Columbus LLC NADA 6281303 D5J, D6 220 W. Nationwide
Blvd.
8 Buca Restaurants Inc. Buca di Beppo 1061188-0005 D1, D2, D3, 343 N. Front Street
D3X, D6
9 Whistle & Keg III, LLC Whistle & Keg 9565200 D5J, D6 343 N. Front
Street, Suite 125
10 Chipotle Mexican Grill of Chipotle 1437415-0092 D1, D3, D6 401 N. Front Street
Colorado LLC
11 Columbus Sports Service Columbus Blue 1645100 D1, D2, D3, 200 W. Nationwide
LLC Jackets D6 Blvd.
12 Levy Premium Food Service Columbus 5169748-0020 D1, D2, D3, 330 Huntington
Limited Partnership Clippers D6 Park Lane & 355
Neil Avenue

Land Use & Zoning

In accordance with ORC 4301.82(B)(4) and as depicted in Exhibit D, the uses of land within the DORA are
zoned DD – Downtown District (depicted in red). The current mix of uses in the DORA, including retail,
residential, restaurants, bars, and entertainment and sports venues, are permitted uses in these zoning
districts.

Attached as Exhibit E is a letter from the City’s Department of Building and Zoning Services confirming
that the uses of land within the DORA are permitted and in accordance with the Columbus Downtown
Design Guidelines and Columbus Zoning Code.

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Community Support, Public Notice, and Legislative Approval Process
To date, there has been significant community support expressed for the DORA. Please see Exhibit F for
submitted letters.

Following filing of this application with the Clerk of Council and in accordance with ORC 4301.82(C), the
Clerk will publish public notice of this application in the City Bulletin and The Daily Reporter which is a
newspaper of general circulation in the municipal corporation or township as outlined in accordance with
Section 7.16 of the ORC. The notice will indicate that the application is on file and available for inspection
in the Clerk’s Office. Additionally, the application will be available for review in the City Bulletin. Further,
the notice will indicate the date and time of the identified City Council committee hearing to which the
authorizing legislation has been referred to provide for a public hearing on the proposal.

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Exhibit A
DORA Map

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 V IN E

MIDDLE ALY

ARMSTRONG ST
ST

PARK ST

N WALL S
DESIGNATED OUTDOOR REFRESHMENT AREA (DORA)

T
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ARENA DISTRICT
7
I-6
DOWNTOWN COLUMBUS

SCHOOL ALY
COLUMBUS CONVENTIO
N CENTER DR

N FRON
BLV D
KE DR
NORDEC BRODBELT LN

T ST
JOHN H MCCONNELL
HUNTINGTON PARK LN
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NO
COLUMBU
S CREW W
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ILA

ST ST

N LUDLO
W LOCU
N

LVD
DD

NW IDE B
W NATIO
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W ST
FLETCHER ST

WEST ST
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EN

COZZINS ST
LV
TA

HOCKING

B
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CO
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HANOVER ST
NEW PUBLIC LN
AR
RI

M
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N LUDLO
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MARCON

W ST
W LONG ST
W SPRING ST

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NEIL AVE

BLV D
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RIVERSID W LAFAYE

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SCIOTO RIVER
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 Exhibit B
Parcels and Street Addresses Included in the DORA
Street Name Range Even/Odd Notes
N Front Street 415 - 333 Odd • Follow the N Ludlow St. alleyway from Half Pint 415
N Front St. south to Battelle Plaza (includes pedestrian
bridge)
• Follow the Maple St. alleyway from Veranico 401 N
Front St. west to 383 N Front St.
• Follow the W Naughten St. alleyway from 343 N Front
St. west to 375 N Front St.
• Follow the alleyway between the south 401 N Front St.
building (runs north/south between Maple St. and W
Naughten St. alleyways)
W Nationwide Blvd. 200 W Nationwide Blvd. – Even & Odd
Neil and Dr.
Marconi Blvd. 125 W Nationwide Blvd. - Odd • Follow Marconi Blvd. from Rodizio Grill south to BD's
295 Marconi Blvd. Mongolian Grill
West St. 199 W Nationwide Blvd. Even & Odd • Follow West St. from Boston's going south to the
250 - 230 West St. to intersection at West. St/W Spring St.
intersection at West St./W
Spring St.
John H McConnell Blvd. 325 - 225 Odd
Neil Ave. 405 - 343 Odd • Follow Neil Ave. from Express Live going south to
corner of Neil Ave./W Nationwide Blvd.
Neil Ave. 305 - 250 Even & Odd • Follow Neil Ave. from Nationwide Blvd. going south to
corner of Neil Ave./W Spring St.
W Spring St. Approx. 205 -300 Odd • Follow W Spring St. from corner of West St./W Spring
St. west to Neil Ave./W Spring St. at North Bank
Condominiums

Venues/Attractions
Nationwide Arena 200 W Nationwide Blvd. • Includes Battelle Plaza: Franklin Co Auditor Parcel ID:
010-026027-00
• "Lower" Plaza, Box Office, Tim Hortons, and sidewalks
immediately adjacent to Nationwide Arena
Parks Edge 250 W Spring St. and 225
Condominiums John H McConnell Blvd.
Express LIVE! 405 Neil Ave.
A&R Music Bar/The 391 Neil Ave.
Basement
Huntington Park 330 Huntington Park Ln. • Including 355 and 343 Neil Ave., 314 and 342 W
Nationwide Blvd.
• Plaza areas at Neil Ave. and W Nationwide Blvd., Neil
and Brodbelt Ln.
• Sidewalks immediately adjacent to Huntington Park

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Crew Stadium / Astor 550 W Nationwide Blvd. - • Stadium address is 550 W Nationwide Blvd.
Park Neiland Dr.
Columbus Crew Way from
Nationwide Blvd. -
Nordecke Dr.
Cahill Dr. from Columbus
Crew Way - Neiland Dr.
McFerson Commons 218 West St. • Sidewalks immediately surrounding the park: along
Park Nationwide Blvd., West St., W Spring St., and John H
McConnell Blvd.
• Franklin Co Auditor Parcel ID: 010-247726-00

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 Exhibit C
DORA Graphics Examples and Signage Locations

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DESIGNATED OUTDOOR REFRESHMENT AREA

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

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21
Exhibit D

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SCOTT MESSER THE CITY OF *
Director
COLUMBUS
ANDREW J. GINTHER, MAYOR

Exhibit E
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING
AND ZONING SERVICES

Mayor Ginther,

In connection with the proposed establishment of a designated outdoor refreshment area

("DORA") generally encompassing the neighborhood known as the Arena District and also including
Nationwide Arena, Huntington Park, and Crew Stadium, this letter is to confirm that the usesof land
within the DORAarea permitted and in accordance with the Columbus Downtown Design Guidelines
and Columbus Zoning Code.

Boundaries of the DORA:

Sincerely,
~.

=-~C__(rl ~4
0·U2/\
Scott Messer
Director, Department of Building and Zoning Services

111North Front Street I Columbus, OH 43215 I 614.645.7433 I bzs.colurnbus.qov

Director's Office (614) 645.7776 Research/Records Center (614) 645.6082
Building Plan Review (614) 645.7562 Zoning Clearance (614) 645.8637
Customer Service Center (614) 645.6090 Zoning Public Hearings (614) 645.4522
Engineering Plan Review (614) 645.0032 Zoning Confirmation Letters (614) 645.8637

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 Exhibit F
Letters of Support

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April 23, 2021

To Columbus City Council President Shannon G. Hardin, and Council Members Elizabeth Brown,
Mitchell J. Brown, Rob Dorans, Shayla Favor, Emmanuel V. Remy and Priscilla Tyson:

I am writing in support of the DORA – the designated outdoor refreshment area – proposed for
the Arena District. As a local business owner in the Arena District, the success of my bar and
restaurant is heavily reliant on sports and special events, and I understand firsthand the
significant positive impact this program would have on my business.

Like most in the hospitality industry, restaurants in the Arena District have struggled to survive
during the pandemic. The DORA would provide a tremendous opportunity to drive more traffic
and revenue as we ramp back up to sustainable operating levels and create an additional
revenue stream for the future.

On behalf of my staff and patrons, I appreciate your consideration of the DORA program and its
great potential to drive revenue and enhance the game day experience in the Arena District for
our fans and visitors.

Sincerely,

Joseph Thomas

Owner, Whistle & Keg

343 N. Front St., Columbus, OH 43215

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April 28, 2021

To Columbus City Council President Shannon G. Hardin, and Council Members Elizabeth Brown,
Mitchell J. Brown, Rob Dorans, Shayla Favor, Emmanuel V. Remy and Priscilla Tyson:

I am writing in support of the DORA – the designated outdoor refreshment area – proposed for
the Arena District. As a local business owner in the Arena District, the success of my bar and
restaurant is heavily reliant on sports and special events, and I understand firsthand the
significant positive impact this program would have on my business.

Like most in the hospitality industry, restaurants in the Arena District have struggled to survive
during the pandemic. The DORA would provide a tremendous opportunity to drive more traffic
and revenue as we ramp back up to sustainable operating levels and create an additional
revenue stream for the future.

On behalf of my staff and patrons, I appreciate your consideration of the DORA program and its
great potential to drive revenue and enhance the game day experience in the Arena District for
our fans and visitors.

Sincerely,

Michael R Darr

415 N. Front St. Suite 150

Columbus, OH 43215
Ph: 614-221-4950
Fax: 614-221-4985

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April 28, 2021
Mayor Andrew Ginther
Columbus City Council Members
Columbus City Hall
90 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215

Dear Mayor and Members of the Columbus City Council,

On behalf of Experience Columbus, I am writing in support of the proposed Designated

Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in the Arena District.

It’s an exciting time for our downtown neighborhoods as we welcome residents and
visitors back to our venues, hotels, restaurants, and businesses. It’s also an exciting time
for Columbus as our national reputation as a premier sports, convention and
entertainment destination is growing. The addition of the new Crew Stadium, in walking
distance of Nationwide Arena, Huntington Park, Express LIVE, and the Greater Columbus
Convention Center, will take the Columbus experience to the next level.

The Arena District DORA will further enhance the guest, fan, and visitor experience,
while providing economic benefits for the surrounding bar and restaurant owners and
contributing to the overall vibrancy of the neighborhood - which we also happen to call
home.

Thank you for your consideration and support of the proposed DORA program and its
great potential to drive revenue for local businesses and enhance the experience for
those who live here, work here, and visit here.

Sincerely,

Brian Ross
President and CEO
Experience Columbus

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 155 West Nationwide Blvd., Suite 125
Columbus, OH 43215

T 614-221-6060
=
columbussports.org

May 3, 2021

Mayor Andrew Ginther

Columbus City Council Members
Columbus City Hall
90 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215

To Mayor Ginther and Members of the Columbus City Council,

On behalf of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, I am writing in support of the

proposed Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in the Arena District.

It’s an exciting time for our downtown neighborhoods as we welcome residents, visitors and fans
back to our venues, hotels, restaurants, and businesses. This feeling is amplified by the fact that come
July, all of Columbus’ professional sports teams will be within walking distance of one another with
the opening of the new Crew Stadium, solidifying Columbus’ role as a premier sports destination. Not
to mention, the nearby proximity of the convention center and entertainment venues like Express
LIVE often host entertainment and other auxiliary events for visiting tournaments.

The Arena District DORA will further enhance the guest, fan, and visitor experience, while providing
economic benefits for the surrounding bar and restaurant owners and contributing to the overall
vibrancy of the neighborhood - which we also happen to call home. Adding an option such as this
could truly take Columbus to the next level among competitive destinations.

Thank you for your consideration and support of the proposed DORA program and its great potential
to drive revenue for local businesses and enhance the experience for those who live here, work here
and visit here.

Sincerely,

Linda Logan
Executive Director

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