The City Council on Tuesday night voted to designate a portion of the River District as an “outdoor refreshment area.” The designation will allow limited public possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Even though the proposal was passed, it cannot go into effect until the city of Danville purchases an ABC license, which can take about 60 to 90 days. The Danville Development Council, a 501(c)(4), has agreed to be the license-holder for the area.
The designation incorporates the required state rules and prohibits the consumption of alcohol in certain city government buildings, schools, churches, and upon public trails. Also, private property owners retain the right to exclude the consumption of alcohol upon their property.
The area includes the entire portion of the River District south of the Dan River. A state law that went into effect last July allows localities to establish up to three designated outdoor refreshment areas.
In other matters, the City Council voted to:
- Amend local zoning regulations regarding “skill games.” The changes define the games as they are under Virginia Code, incorporates them into the same category as other adult-oriented uses, and impose locational restrictions to avoid secondary effects.
- Approve a request for a special use permit for a planned unit development on Stewart Street. The approval is conditional on a traffic study.
- Grant a request for a special use permit at 823 Industrial Ave. to allow for a contractor’s office and workshop.
- Amend financial policies regarding debt to allow for the School Bonds that will be issued in conjunction with the 1% local sales tax option.
- Authorize a moral obligation agreement with Virginia Community Capital in the financing of the purchase and renovation of an industrial building at 1 Ecomnets Way in Airside Industrial Park.
- Appoint Tommy Bennett to the Planning Commission.
- Appoint Edgar Love to the Employee Retirement System Board.
The City Council also held a first reading on a budget amendment to provide for a federal grant for two program initiatives: the Promoting Empathy through Equitable Resolution (PEER) and Youth PEER Court (YPC) programs.
A first reading is an introductory step required by City Code. City Council will this matter at its next meeting.