By James Massara
Patrons of local businesses in the downtown Bucyrus area may begin to see changes in the landscape following a decision by Bucyrus City Council on Tuesday, Aug. 15.
Council approved two ordinances with the first allowing retail sales in the public right-of-way in the downtown area, and the second allowing dining and alcohol sales in the public right-of-way.
Council passed the ordinances as emergency legislation.
City Law Director Rob Ratliff said the issues were passed as emergencies in an attempt to give local businesses time to turn applications in to the city zoning office and still capitalize on the remaining nice weather of the year.
Ratliff said any business owner in the downtown business district may apply for a conditional-use license. He said specific conditions will differ business-by-business.
The decision did not come without opposition though.
For the second time in a month the Rev. Bill Wert of Lighthouse Baptist Church, who also is a Dallas Township trustee, addressed council to share his disapproval of the public consumption of alcohol.
He said many other places in the city serve and sell alcohol, such as grocery stores, bars and social clubs.
“Can’t we have one place where people who disagree with this type of thing can go without seeing it,” Wert said.
He also said he believed it would open a floodgate, allowing the types of people and activities “No one wants in Bucyrus.”
He concluded by saying he had spoken with a local police officer who claimed many of the officers are against this. He would not give the officer’s name, claiming the comment was made in confidence.
Councilperson Monica Sack told council the platting committee was in favor of the ordinances.
The issue passed by unanimous votes.
@JamesMassaraCCN