Several residents of the Retreat at Coronado Woods came to the June 23 Reynoldsburg council meeting to express their displeasure regarding the nearby O’Toole’s Irish Pub at 7578 E. Main St.
Residents alleged they have witnessed fighting, public intoxication, public urination, and drag racing and have heard gunfire at or behind the pub in the parking lot.
"Between the noise from O’Toole’s and the problems with Oakbrook Apartments, it is becoming not a nice place to live," said Judy Murtaugh, president of the Retreat at Coronado Woods Homeowners Association. "I think it is in the best interest of the city to promote the well-being of the citizens who live here."
Patrick Ahern, who has lived at the Retreat at Coronado Woods since 1999, said he has always had trouble with O’Toole’s and believes those troubles have increased since the establishment built an outdoor patio.
In 2006, Ohio voters passed Issue 5, creating Ohio’s indoor smoking ban for all public places and places of employment. As a result, many bars have constructed outdoor areas to accommodate patrons who smoke.
Ahern said that since the patio came along, the noise level has increased dramatically.
"I have to keep my windows covered with Styrofoam, duct tape and towels to help deaden the noise," he said.
Reynoldsburg Mayor Brad McCloud said when the doors of the pub open, the music from within echoes outside, intensifying the effect.
"It was my understanding that they have improved their problems, but obviously they haven’t," he said.
McCloud said he would investigate the matter and report on it at the next regular council meeting. Until then, he suggested that the residents continue to call the police to report problems. The reports are taken into consideration when establishments apply for liquor permits from year to year, he explained.
Ahern said since June 20, he has called the Reynoldsburg Division of Police at least 34 times with complaints against O’Toole’s.
"They have responded to every one of my calls," he said. "They have done a very good job at being there, but they can’t catch everything that goes on there."
July Fourth celebration
Due to a downsized budget last year, Reynoldsburg did not hold a Fourth of July celebration. This year, it is back.
The two-day event will begin with a parade at 2 p.m. July 4. The route starts at Rose Hill Road and Main Street and ends at Huber Park.
The fireworks display is set for 9:45 p.m. July 5 at Civic Park.
