What is a Revitalization District?

A Revitalization District is a combination of entertainment, retail, social and cultural establishments with proximity to restaurants and other entertainment venues. Revitalization Districts were established through the Ohio Division of Liquor Control (O.R.C. 4301.81) and provides more D-5 liquor permits within a designated area. The additional D-5 liquor permits located within the RD would available to establishments in which the sale of food and meals is not less than 75% of gross annual receipts.

How Does a Revitalization District Spur Growth?

The designation of the City’s Central Business District as a Revitalization District would be a proactive, strategic move to attract new restaurants to downtown. Once D-5L permits are established, they must stay within the boundaries of the district and may not move the license to another area of the city. The attraction of new restaurants to downtown is part of the Chamber and Fostoria Economic Development’s 5 Year Joint Strategic Plan as it pertains to business recruitment and retention, downtown revitalization, and quality of life. In addition, a Revitalization District would create new and retain existing jobs while raising additional revenue for the City of Fostoria via increases in income and payroll taxes.

Moving forward with a Revitalization District

The process for moving forward with a Revitalization District is relatively simple. The Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau would send an application to the Mayor at the request of downtown property owners for the creation of a Revitalization District. The application submitted by the Chamber will include all required documents needed to pass legislation and to be provided to the Division of Liquor Control. The Chamber has is planning to file an application on behalf downtown property owners whom an RD will assist with tenant recruitment and spur further investment in downtown.

Where are we in the process of establishing a Revitalization District?

The Chamber is working to finalize letters of support from the property owners we would represent in the application for a Revitalization District. Once we have the letters and all supporting documents in addition to the support of City Council, we will officially submit the application to the Mayor. Once the application is received, the process follows similar procedures as the creation of a DORA which is why we are proposing them at the same time.

Questions?

Contact: Sarah Stephens Krupp or Mayor Eric Keckler

Sarah@FostoriaChamber.com   or    Admin@FostoriaOhio.gov