TOLEDO, Ohio — Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz says starting June 6, the city will block off a small number of streets in the DORA/ORA neighborhood in order for restaurants and bars to expand space for their customers.
The mayor said every Wednesday and Saturday, small chunks of the streets in downtown and uptown Toledo will be blocked off for restaurants to put their own chairs and tables in the streets to accommodate more customers.
It is unclear as of now which streets will be blocked off.
Establishments are also allowed, effective immediately, to set up tables and chairs in their parking lots and sidewalks for more seating options. However, sidewalks can not be totally blocked to civilians walking on them.
This goes for all restaurants and bars in the DORA/ORA neighborhoods. If a bar or restaurant is not in an outdoor drinking area neighborhood, they will have to go to the Ohio Department of Liquor Control to apply for a permit to allow their customers to have drinks outside of the establishments.
Mayor Kapszukiewicz also said DORA/ORA will be extended from noon until midnight starting June 1. Live entertainment will also be allowed in restaurants and bars on June 1, but dancing is still not allowed.
Mayor Kapszukiewicz says this will be for the foreseeable future.
Mayor Kapszukiewicz also discussed a new program in the works for rental relief.
The mayor says $2 million will be available for those struggling to pay their rent. He says the hope is that 750 individuals will be able to receive $2,500 each for emergency rent.
Residents can begin applying for the program immediately and must meet low-to-moderate income guidelines.
Mayor Kapszukiewicz also announced a few family events that will soon be available, such as movie nights in the park and live, drive-in performances in Detweiller, Smith and Highland parks. The Cullen Park boat launch dock is also being installed.
