By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
At least 70% of downtown property owners have signed petitions supporting the continuation of the Special Improvement District to maintain and boost the commercial viability of downtown businesses.
On Monday evening, Bowling Green City Council heard the first reading of the resolution to renew the program.
Back in March of 1999, City Council approved the creation of the Bowling Green Central Business Special Improvement District, commonly known as Main Street Bowling Green and subsequently renewed the SID in 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020.
The original area to be served was:
- Main Street from Ridge and Clay streets, to Lehman and Ordway avenues.
- Wooster Street from Church Street to Prospect Street.
- Court Street from Church Street to Prospect Street.
- Clough Street from Main Street to Prospect Street.
The SID area to be served was expanded to include the area on East Wooster Street between Prospect Street and Summit Street, and North Prospect Street from East Wooster Street to Court Street with the last renewal in 2020.
The legislation also establishes the city’s cooperative share of $130,000 in lieu of the front footage special assessment cost that will be paid annually for calendar years 2026 through 2030.
Another piece of legislation will levy a special assessment of $14 per front foot for each property included within the Special Improvement District. Upon passage of that resolution, the clerk of council will notify property owners and provide an opportunity for property owners to submit written objections within 14 days.
If objections are filed, council will appoint a board of equalization that will hear and rule on the merits of those objections.
The second and third readings of the plan will be heard at the June 2 meeting in order for the clerk to meet the timeline of notifying property owners.
Following are some provisions in the plan:
Maintenance of the district:
- Provide staff or contract labor for regular litter and debris removal and sidewalk sweeping/vacuuming in the district.
- Coordinate staff, contract and volunteer efforts to design and maintain seasonal planting and decorations.
- Coordinate staff, contract and volunteer efforts to water plantings.
- Provide initial snow removal and de-icing on accessible sidewalks in the district.
- Collaborate with city offices and community members on development and implementation of design standards, and on the resolution of maintenance, parking and other district issues.
Promotion of the district:
- Promote the downtown district as the historic, cultural and business heart of the city.
- Market the district to local, state and regional audiences, including BGSU faculty, staff and students.
- Advertise special events that benefit the downtown businesses and the community.
- Distribute relevant information to property and business owners.
- Maintain and publish a calendar of events on a website.
- Use the internet and social media tools to market the district with current information.
- Collaborate with the city, VisitBG, Bowling Green Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, BGSU and other agencies to market the downtown.
- Assist in promoting the work of other organizations hosting events in the downtown, such as the Black Swamp Arts Festival, Firefly Nights, and the Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade.
Marketing of district – recruitment and retention:
- Use the website to provide information on available commercial space.
- Develop and publish current information for attracting new businesses to the district.
- Assist prospective business tenants with the search for appropriate space in the district.
- Maintain regular contact with business owners to assist with retention and expansion of existing businesses.
- Search for appropriate business tenants for available spaces in the district.
Partnerships – downtown enhancement projects:
- Develop and fundraise for projects that will benefit the downtown businesses and community as a whole, such as alley revitalization and connectivity, downtown speaker system, overhead lighting and holiday decorations.
The annual budget of $235,000 includes the assessed cost, the city’s cooperative share, and income from other sources including special events, promotions and grants.
- The property owners’ share is budgeted at $119,595. Property owners will be assessed at a rate not to exceed $14 per front footage.
- The city’s cooperative share is budgeted at $130,000.
- Other income can be incurred through special events, promotions, merchandise and grants.
