Whitehall City Council met outdoors Aug. 7 at John Bishop Park, in conjunction with the city's annual observance of National Night Out.

While there, members unanimously approved necessary permits to allow Infiniti of Columbus to open a dealership within six to eight months.

National Night Out is held the on first Tuesday of August in communities throughout the United States as a means to deter crime and facilitate neighbors meeting each other.

Since the event was established in 1984, it has become a block party, with children's activities, musical entertainment and food vendors.

Whitehall's event is among the largest in central Ohio, typically attracting about 5,000 people each year.

Council held a 30-minute meeting during the event, acting on two pieces of legislation.

Infiniti of Columbus will renovate an existing unoccupied structure at 5250 E. Main St., where it will sell new and used cars.

Ryan Hanigan, of Architecture Ohio, represented the dealership during a public hearing for the ordinance.

"We're excited to bring this $100,000 facility to the city of Whitehall," Hanigan told council members.

Hanigan said work would commence after building permits are obtained and that the project should be completed in six to eight months.

Aside from the ordinance approving a required special permit for Infiniti of Columbus, council approved a resolution to pay $31,856 to Eastman & Smith LTD for professional services.

Eastman & Smith represents the city in a nuisance complaint filed in Franklin County Municipal Court against Woodcliff Condominiums.

Council members heard only two other items, and both were read by title only, including an ordinance establishing public financial institutions for Whitehall and an ordinance amending the city code regarding its policy for tax refunds.

Following the meeting, the entertainment portion of National Night Out began.

Members of the city's service department defeated the Whitehall Division of Police in a hot-wings-eating contest sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings.

Four service department employees claimed the title from the Whitehall Division of Police, who had won the title last year.

A local band, These Guys Live, including two members from Whitehall, performed classic rock covers.

Among those enjoying the entertainment was Whitehall resident Terina Stewart and her 12-year-old daughter. Stewart has attended National Night Out several times with her family.

"It's a great time. I always see people I know and enjoying listening to the music," she said. ?It also gives my kids and others something fun to do together."

Whitehall Mayor Kim Maggard called the event a great success.

"Thousands of patrons enjoyed live entertainment and great food," she said.

Lindsey Wright, public-affairs coordinator for Whitehall, said organizers already have begun planning next year's event.