ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Tuesday, April 23, was one of the first opportunities for the Asheville City Council to gauge public expectations. Business Improvement District (BID).
The Asheville Downtown Association's goal now is to inform as many business owners and community members as possible about what the BID can offer.
“BIDs may address safety and cleanliness, increased pressure washing, reduced graffiti, increased trash pickup, etc.,” association director Hayden Plemmons said Wednesday, April 24. “Business Improvement Districts are very multifaceted and agile.” They can respond quickly to community needs. ”
These are just some of the qualities a BID can bring to a city.
However, property owners and business owners pay for those services.
City Council, residents continue discussion on potential business improvement district
Over the past nine months, the Downtown Association has been at the forefront of nine town halls and other participating events. The purpose is to assess opinions and formulate recommendations for the Asheville BID.
“It was through our conversations with the community that we were able to really shape the framework of what was presented at council last month and this month,” Plemmons said. “We have made many changes based on feedback and discussion from the community.”
The neighborhood is bordered by Interstate 240, Clingman Avenue, McCormick Field, and Tunnel Road.
The bid values downtown property owners at 9 cents per $100 of property value.
Next public hearing on Asheville's potential business improvement district scheduled for April
“The obvious downside is the high cost,” says Celeste King, owner of Chocolate Fetish. “It's going to be non-negotiable for the business. Everyone will be prosecuted.”
Its cost and the potential for additional resources for safety and hospitality will continue to interest business workers until a final decision on the bid is made.
“In the winter, it's pitch black when you go home. So for the young women who work here, safety is kind of a concern when they walk a few blocks to their car,” King said. “I definitely participate because it's something that affects me. It affects the cost of doing business. But in theory, it also affects the positive side. For the city in general, it's a great addition. I think it could be beneficial.”
City Council is expected to hold two readings regarding the Business Improvement District. One on May 14th and the other on June 11th.
Want to learn more about what a business improvement district is? click here.
