News Summary
The Asheville City Council has officially approved the creation of a Business Improvement District (BID) to enhance downtown’s economic vitality. With a focus on diversifying leadership, the BID will include a mix of local businesses, residents, and community groups. This initiative, supported by a substantial budget, aims to improve safety, cleanliness, and community engagement in Asheville’s downtown area while addressing concerns about gentrification. The plan has garnered interest from local associations and is seen as a step towards a revitalized downtown.
Asheville City Council Takes Big Steps to Boost Downtown
Asheville has just taken an exciting leap forward in its efforts to create a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant downtown area. The City Council has officially approved the formation of a new Business Improvement District (BID) through the Asheville Downtown Improvement District (ADID). This initiative aims to enhance the overall economic vitality of Asheville’s beloved downtown area, which is known for its unique charm and bustling atmosphere.
Diversifying Leadership for a Bright Future
A significant step in this exciting journey is the establishment of an inaugural Board of Directors for the ADID. The Interim Board is currently on the lookout for nominations to fill these crucial positions. They’re looking to build a team that represents a mix of local businesses, residents, and key community groups. This is all about making sure everyone’s voice is heard as decisions are made about the future of downtown Asheville.
Voting members will include four commercial property owners, four business renters, three residential property owners, three residential renters, a representative from The Block, and a representative from the Continuum of Care. There will also be an at-large representative to ensure there’s a broad spectrum of viewpoints on the board. These members will come from essential sectors like food and beverage, entertainment, hospitality, office, and retail, which are all vital parts of the local economy.
Geographically, the board will aim to cover all four districts of Downtown Asheville, ensuring that perspectives from diverse areas—like the bustling South Slope or the cultural fabric of The Block—are all considered in their planning. Ex Officio members will include a current Asheville City Council member and representatives from the city and county managers, providing an essential link between the board and governmental leadership.
Funding Safety and Cleanliness Initiatives
With a 6-1 vote from the city council, the BID is not just a good idea; it’s a funded initiative aimed at enhancing the safety and cleanliness of downtown. A modest surcharge will be added to property owners to create a tax revenue source that will fund additional services that the area desperately needs. The initial budget for the BID is set at a robust $1.25 million, ensuring that there are sufficient resources to make a real impact.
Included in the budget is a whopping $700,000 designated for hiring d downtown ambassadors. These ambassadors won’t just be present for show; they will be trained in anti-racist and de-escalation techniques, ensuring that they can effectively handle various situations. One of their vital roles will be connecting individuals from the unhoused community with essential resources while serving as a friendly and visible presence in the area.
An additional $300,000 has been earmarked for enhanced cleaning services. This will mean regular power washing and weekend garbage pickup to keep our vibrant downtown as inviting as possible. The goal is to ensure that local residents and visitors alike feel safe and comfortable while enjoying everything Asheville has to offer.
Going Forward: Overcoming Challenges and Building Community
Of course, not everyone is on board with the formation of the BID. Some voices in the community have questioned whether this move might promote gentrification, and allegations of retaliation have arisen against supporters of the BID. Nevertheless, the Asheville Downtown Association and the Chamber of Commerce have shown interest in helping manage the BID—an approach that has proven effective in other cities.
A feasibility study conducted last spring laid the groundwork for this initiative, showing that many community members are excited about the potential benefits. Moving forward, ongoing meetings will delve into current safety initiatives and the community responder programs that have gained traction during the 60-day downtown safety initiative. Remarkably, this initiative has already recorded significant reductions in graffiti while improving connections with individuals from the unhoused community.
With these changes set in motion, Asheville is paving the way toward a downtown that is not only cleaner and safer but also infused with the spirit of community engagement. There’s plenty to look forward to as the city embarks on this new chapter, and one can’t help but feel optimistic about the bright future ahead.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Business Improvement District Approved
- Wikipedia: Business Improvement District
- AVLtoday: Asheville City Council Approves Downtown BID
- Google Search: Asheville City Council
- WLOS: Enhancing Downtown Through BID
- Google Scholar: Asheville Downtown Improvement
- WLOS: Results from Downtown Safety Initiative
- Google News: Asheville Downtown Safety Initiative
