City of Elkins Launches Survey to Gauge Interest in Creating a PODA
Elkins W. Va., May 7, 2024: The City of Elkins is inviting residents, business owners, and stakeholders to participate in a survey to weigh in on the potential establishment of a Private Outdoor Designated Area (PODA) within the city.
PODAs are designated areas where patrons can carry alcoholic beverages in specially marked containers from participating bars and restaurants to other participating establishments within the PODA boundaries. This initiative, enabled by West Virginia Legislature through Senate Bill 534 in 2023, gives municipalities the ability to create these designated areas. Morgantown, Charleston, and Huntington have all implemented PODAs.
No business would be forced to participate or allow people with drinks into their store, bar, or restaurant, and PODA rules would not allow BYOB open containers. The PODA only allows consumption of beverages obtained from a participating business, in an approved PODA container.
The aim of the survey is to gather public opinion on the implementation of a PODA in Elkins and its potential impact on the community. This is the first phase to seek feedback on various aspects such as interest levels, potential benefits for businesses, preferred operating hours, and desired locations for the PODA.
No decision has currently been made to establish a PODA, and any proposal to do so must go through the normal committee/council ordinance process. If council’s Rules & Ordinances Committee recommends that council take this matter up, there will be additional opportunities for public input.
The City of Elkins encourages everyone in the Elkins area to take part in the survey and share their opinion to help shape the future of the community.
Take the PODA Survey here:
https://forms.gle/aeVXFtrZedQyV2pY7
Links to other PODAs implemented in the area:
morgantownwv.gov/703/Private-Outdoor-Designated-Area-PODA
charlestonwv.gov/poda
cityofhuntington.com/PODA
Career Day Fair at Elkins Middle School a Major Success
Elkins W. Va., May 17, 2024: Elkins Middle School hosted a Career Day Fair on Thursday, encouraging the students to think about their future. This event had a great turnout from both the middle school students and the diverse number of participants, […]
Read More
Road Closure on Woodford Dr. Begins May 13
Elkins W. Va., May 13, 2024: Woodford Dr. in Elkins will be closed beginning at 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15, as crews work to replace a water line. The road will be closed from Diamond St. to the end of Woodford […]
Read More
Reported Shooting at Heavner Acres
Elkins W. Va., May 7, 2024: On Monday, May 6th, 2024 at approximately 3:40 pm, officers of the Elkins Police Department responded to 36 Heavner Acres for a reported shooting. Upon arrival, EPD officers located Mark Wirth 67, suffering from a gunshot […]
Read More
Regional Task Force Holds Public Meeting
Elkins W. Va., April 26, 2024: The Regional Task Force on Addiction, Homelessness, and Mental Health convened Tuesday at Elkins City Hall for a public meeting aimed at updating the community on its progress in tackling substance abuse issues. Since its inception […]
Read More
The Month of April Is Now Proclaimed Donate Life Month
Elkins W. Va., April 18, 2024: Mayor Jerry Marco has officially declared the month of April as Donate Life Month in the city of Elkins, West Virginia. This proclamation marks a significant step in raising awareness about the critical need for organ […]
Read More
Proclamation Declares May 2, 2024, as National Day of Prayer
Elkins W. Va., April 17, 2024: Mayor Jerry Marco has officially proclaimed May 2, 2024, as National Day of Prayer in the city of Elkins, West Virginia. This declaration honors a tradition deeply embedded in the history of America. The proclamation states […]
Read More