Everyone interested in Marietta is invited to participate in Tuesday's Planning, Zoning and Annexation Committee meeting about a proposal that if approved would allow up to 15 additional alcohol permits under a state Revitalization program.
A two-hour meeting begins at 4 p.m. Tuesday (Aug. 28) in Lookout Park council chambers to continue the discussion about the revitalization issue, which was introduced during a committee meeting Tuesday, Aug. 21. About 25 people were in the audience.
The three-page revitalization law - available at MariettaOh.net - permits city council to approve or deny the revitalization zone, which is designed to include most of the Historic Downtown Business District and a portion of the Harmar business district. The law permits one additional alcohol vendor's permit for each five acres included with in the district.
There are arguments on both sides of the issue. As chairman of the Marietta City Council Planning, Zoning and Annexation Committee, I want to insure everyone with an interest in the revitalization issue has an opportunity to offer their comments. That may be done by attending the public meetings about the topic, by e-mail, telephone or in person to Mayor Joe Matthews and each of the city's council members. Because of personal business interests, council members Michael Mullen and Harley Noland aren't voting on the issue. Four of five remaining members (a simple majority) is required to approve the revitalization district.
A number of people representing businesses that currently have alcohol sales permits said Tuesday that they oppose the revitalization district. Representatives of the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce and the ReStore business and merchants organization expressed support for the concept. Several people asked that the issue be put to the general public at an election.
The Marietta administration and council members need to hear from people in the community so that a common sense decision may be made for the benefit of the overall Marietta community.
This needs to be done in through civil discourse and dialogue, not anonymous Tweets, Twits and Twerps.
If you care about your city, make your opinions known.
Marietta City Councilman Roger G. Kalter represents the 1st Ward.
