2002-06-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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54 asked DPOC to identify things that a voluntary program would not provide. Ms. Fitzgerald asked how the assessments for this program would realign with annual reassessments. Ms. Fitzgerald reminded Council that they need to provide assistance to businesses on the ting of the proposed district. Ms. Fitzgerald noted that banners are not allowed in private retail developments such as Seminole Square, but they would be allowed under this program downtown which would be unfair. Ms. Fitzgerald called for additional study and for Council to consider the needs of other City businesses. Ms. Mary Gilliam, 218 South Street, spoke against the service district, especially the spending of tax money by a non-governmental entity. Ms. Gilliam said that perhaps the entire City should be taxe& Mr. Bud Treakle, 700 E, High Street, an attorney with an office within the proposed boundary of the service district, said that most people he knows with an office oppose the district because they view it as benefiting merchants on the downtown mall, but not those who just have office space. Mr. Treakle said he thinks a lot ofthese services are akeady being provided, and suggested that any such program be done as a private group. Ms. Susan Payne, 206 E. Jefferson St., a small business owner within the proposed boundary, said she thinks everyone downtown should help, and her business is willing to support the service district. Mr. Albert Tabakman, 105 3rd Street, S.E., supported the proposal. He read a letter from Virginia Richie who now lives in Charlottesville, but worked with the service district in Richmond. She supported the proposal and encouraged Council to contact other communities in the country who have adopted .such districts. Mr. Tabakman said that when the downtown mall was built, retail shops paid a special assessment and others in the area have benefited from the mall's success. Mr. Julian Calvet, 226 South Street, owner of an apartment building on South Street, said that he was first opposed to the district, but has been convinced that it is a great idea. Mr. Steve Heim, 100 E. South Street, managing partner of a building that has no retail space within proposed boundary, said that his group supports the proposal, and noted that the ordinance has a sunset clause. Ms. Camille Cooper, 107 W. Water Street, said she supports DPOC's proposal, but not the City's ordinance. Ms. Cooper said she lives downtown and her tires have been slashed and she has been assaulted on Water Street, and increased safety measures are needed. Ms. Cooper said the service district will bring increased vitality downtown, will increase revenues, and will encourage growth of small businesses. Mr. Sheldon Anderson, owner of University Florist downtown and a member of DPOC, said he thinks the service district is a unique opporttmity to form a partnership. Mr. Anderson said he sees the people who have opposed the proposal on the downtown mall everyday and he thinks they will benefit from it. Mr. Bob Archer of Bob's Wheel Alignment, said he appreciates the boundary being moved so his business is no longer within the district. Mr. Archer said Council has to realize where the money is coming from before they keep imposing taxes. Mr. Bill Nitchman, owner of property within the proposed district, said he is very concerned about the proposal and the process, and said it could cost him $15,000 to $20,000 over the next five years. Mr. Nitchman said Council could increase the business tax for retail businesses. He said it is the City's responsibility .now to solve the safety issues. Mr. Nitchman asked that more time be given to property owners to deal with the proposal. Ms. Joan Fenton, 105 3~a Street, S.E., supported the ordinance. She said that the experience in Richmond was that those were originally opposed the district later supported it. Ms. Fenton said the proposal will spread the success to ~ Street and