Residents of Asheville are excited about the upcoming changes in their Downtown District.
Asheville City Council plans a public hearing on January 14 to discuss a new contract aimed at enhancing the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID). The BID focuses on improving safety, cleanliness, and funding special projects. Following community input and prior safety initiatives, a vote led to the re-establishment of the BID. Two proposals for services have been submitted, with excitement building for the upcoming meeting where the chosen vendor will be revealed.
Asheville residents, mark your calendars! On January 14, the Asheville City Council is set to hold an important public hearing focused on a fresh contract to enhance the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID). This meeting will kick off the launch of new services aimed at making our beloved downtown area cleaner and safer, while also allowing room for special projects!
The BID, which received the green light from the council in June, has three main focus areas: enhanced safety and hospitality, better cleaning, and exciting special projects. Back in October 2012, the council had already approved a BID and created a board consisting of downtown property owners and residents to oversee funding goals. However, funding was not approved at that time, leaving many wishing for more improvements.
Fast forward to early 2023 when public concerns over safety and cleanliness in downtown Asheville began to swell. This prompted a safety initiative, and thankfully, the outcomes were encouraging! They sparked serious discussions about re-establishing a BID in our downtown area, which brings us to present day.
Thanks to the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, consultants are set to give a public presentation on the BID on February 6, 2024. Also, the Asheville Downtown Association has been vocal in support of the BID, bringing our community together to tackle these critical issues. This isn’t just about talk, either. In April, a public hearing attracted over 50 speakers, shedding light on various opinions about the BID.
When the vote came on May 14, the council decided decisively, with a 5-1 approval. A property tax rate of 9 cents per $100 of taxable property was also set, meaning homeowners with property assessed at $400,000 could expect a bump of about $360. However, not everyone was on board; two business owners who came out in favor of the BID later faced vandalism on their cars in a disheartening turn of events.
The situation has prompted even more community sentiment. As the City Council voted 6-1 in June to approve the BID once again, it became clear that residents wanted change. Recent online surveys conducted over the summer revealed residents’ preferred services they’d like to see from potential service providers. Responding to the demand, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued on September 20, with initial submission deadlines postponed due to Tropical Storm Helene.
Fast forward, two proposals have come in: one from the Asheville Downtown Community Improvement District (ADCID) and the other from the Sally Blagg Family Foundation. The ADCID plans to fulfill operational requirements through a management agreement with the Asheville Downtown Association, while the Blagg Family Foundation boasts experience from cities like New York and Philadelphia.
The excitement is building as the chosen vendor for the BID is expected to be revealed at the upcoming January 14 meeting. Based on staff recommendations, this could lead to the beginning of BID services early in the year! A steering committee will also be set up to ensure the BID effectively addresses its focuses.
All in all, the BID is projected to generate approximately $1.25 million annually for these vital services through the property tax increase. With some early progress reports anticipated come spring, our community can look forward to some meaningful changes.
So, Asheville, get ready for a cleaner and safer downtown as preparations for the new BID draw ever closer!
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