City Council, Residents Continue Discussing Potential Business Improvement District

City Council, Residents Continue Discussing Potential Business Improvement District

City leaders in Asheville are actively engaged in discussions regarding the potential establishment of a Business Improvement District (BID) in the downtown area. The proposal, under consideration by the Asheville City Council, has garnered mixed reactions from residents and local business owners.

Concerns Raised by Restaurant Owners

During a recent Asheville City Council meeting, restaurant owners expressed apprehensions about the potential impact of increased property taxes associated with the BID. Many are worried about the financial implications for their businesses if the district is approved.

The BID, if approved, will be authorized by the city but self-governed, providing added services to businesses within the designated area to enhance safety, cleanliness, and overall business environment.

Proposed Services and Budget Allocation

Businesses within the BID boundary would benefit from services such as litter and weed removal, graffiti abatement, marketing support, capital improvements, and hospitality services. The latter includes business engagement and outreach to the unhoused population in the area.

To fund these services, businesses in the BID zone would be required to pay an additional property tax. The proposed annual assessment rate is set at 0.0919 per $100 of taxable value.

Impact on Small Businesses

Hannah Gibson of Sow True seeds voiced concerns about the potential long-term impact of the BID on small businesses. “We stand firmly against the Business Improvement District,” she stated. “We have concerns that the additional tax burden may hinder the growth and operation of small businesses in the city.”

BID Proposed Budget Breakdown

• Safety and Hospitality Services: $700,000
• Enhanced Cleaning Services: $300,000
• Contingency: $100,000
• BID Management and Administration: $150,000
• Total BID Budget: $1,250,000

City leaders did not reach a decision during the recent meeting but indicated that a vote on the BID proposal is expected to take place within the next two council meetings.

For more information and to access the presentation discussed during the meeting, visit the official city council website.

Follow updates on this ongoing discussion to see how it develops in the following weeks.