The proposed district is considering construction of a new full-service restaurant and craft cocktail lounge.
The proposed community entertainment district, Bellbrook West, is a 23-acre site located along West Franklin Street between Mill Pond Drive and Wilmington Pike, according to city documents. It includes several active small businesses and seven acres of undeveloped land.
Bellbrook City Manager Rob Schomer said new businesses, such as the aforementioned restaurants and cocktail lounges, will face obstacles if they want to serve alcohol without certain restrictions, as permits for certain types of liquor have reached their limits. He said it was possible to encounter it.
“This allows us to do that and aligns with the call from our community to revitalize downtown and bring a place for our community to walk, enjoy and gather,” Shomer said. Ta.
The City Council introduced the bill in April, and a mandatory public hearing on the proposed district is scheduled to take place during the May 13 City Council meeting starting at 7 p.m.
Bellbrook Mayor Mike Schweller said the city has worked hard to move forward with its redevelopment plans for downtown Bellbrook, and the creation of these districts is consistent with the wishes of the community. “This will make it an even more attractive place to start a business,” he said.
“We currently have a lot of interest in projects coming into Bellbrook, but one of the obstacles is the limited ability to obtain licenses through Ohio's quota system for establishments that serve beer, wine, and liquor. Schweller said.
“This project is another example of how the city continues to work to meet the service needs of our community. We are excited to put our downtown revitalization efforts and plans into action. “This shows that we are committed to keeping our commitments to the community,” he added.
Shomer said the city has already received positive feedback about the proposal from people who are “looking forward to more opportunities to enjoy downtown.”
Ohio law allocates additional liquor licenses to areas expected to see significant economic investment, allowing up to 15 additional licenses, one for every five acres of an established district.