The Rome City Commission is scheduled to introduce an overlay district ordinance on Monday that will prohibit the sale of vape products and coin-operated amusement machines (COAMs) in the downtown district.
The proposed Etowah River-Turner McCall Overlay District encompasses all properties south of Turner McCall Boulevard encircled by the Etowah and Oostanaula rivers. It also extends to the adjacent area bounded by Turner McCall and North Second Avenue.
To protect current business owners, the ordinance includes an amortization period. This grace period allows existing retailers to recoup their financial investments in vape inventory and COAMs, colloquially known as “ding dings,” before the ban takes effect. No new stores will be permitted to open within the district.
Beyond the vaping and gaming restrictions, the commission scheduled public hearings for three residential rezoning requests. These include single-family residential zoning requests for properties at 202 E. 11th St. and 13 Orlystus Drive, alongside a duplex conversion permit at 101 Piedmont Drive.
Additionally, City Manager Sammy Rich will announce city office closures for Labor Day on September 1, with adjusted garbage and recycling schedules running through the week.
