New Huber entertainment district closer to reality, officials say

Voter approval of a liquor local option will move plans for a Huber Heights entertainment district forward, city officials said.

The Shoppes at The Heights — a proposed shopping and dining complex still in conception — needed the nod of voters to gain the liquor licenses city officials and developers said are needed to attract tenants.

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The measure passed 63.9 to 36.1 percent, according to unofficial results.

“It will enable us to take the next step in the development of that project,” said Councilman Mark Campbell of the election results. “Without that passage, we wouldn’t have had the ability to develop that. So it was a very critical element of the big picture.”

Cities have a certain quota of available liquor licenses, and Huber Heights has just one available D-5 permit for beer, wine and spirituous liquor seven days a week, which is the type sought for the new entertainment district.

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Approval of the local option means the state could award as many as 15 more D-5 permits.

City Manager Rob Schommer said the city was pleased by the showing of support.

“We are excited to see the conceptual renderings becoming more finalized and are supportive of the developer’s extensive efforts to bring a great development and partnership to Huber Heights,” he said.

A representative for the developer, J.J. Cafaro of the Youngstown area, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Most of the entertainment district would encompass the proposed 70-acre $140 million The Shoppes at The Heights mixed-use development. A swath of city land next to the Rose Center also would be included.

More coverage of The Shoppes at The Heights:

» $100M retail development planned for Huber Heights

» Developer pursuing three concepts for the Heights

» Huber Heights considers land deal for new hotel

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