Council Sets Public Meeting on BID Initiative

The Common Council has approved a resolution introducing the proposed Downtown Poughkeepsie Business Improvement District and setting a public hearing regarding the initiative for Tuesday, November 19.

Funded by a special assessment on property owners within the district boundaries, a Business Improvement District (BID) establishes a geographic area where local property owners, business tenants, and residents directly oversee key parts of the maintenance, improvement and promotion of the commercial district.

Across the state, more than 100 BIDs deliver a range of services to improve business climate and quality of life.

"We are extremely optimistic that creating a BID will provide an infusion of energy and resources to improve the downtown area," said Mayor Yvonne Flowers. "My administration has worked hard and alongside business owners and other landowners to solidify this proposal and get it before the Common Council. I thank the Common Council for introducing this resolution and taking the necessary steps to obtain more public feedback."

In July, the Business Improvement District Steering Committee - which consists of commercial and residential property owners, business tenants and community stakeholders - held a public meeting at The Chance Theater, where dozens of people turned out to learn more about the initiative.

If established, the leadership of the Downtown Poughkeepsie BID would act as a liaison for property owners, commercial tenants, and residents in advocating for the district with elected officials and city agencies.

"I look forward to hearing the public comments on this promising proposal," said
Common Council Member At Large Da'Ron Wilson. "The Common Council just approved a new zoning code and map for the city - something that hasn't been accomplished on a citywide scale in 40 years. Local property owners now have a cohesive, comprehensive blueprint to guide them, including in the downtown core area. Bolstering the business climate through a BID would be an excellent next step to generating more positive activity on Main Street and neighboring areas."

At this juncture, the BID initiative identifies four main areas of need: maintaining clean and beautiful streets; supporting a safe and secure downtown; developing a district identity through marketing and special events; and fostering a business climate that will attract new development and commercial tenants.

The community is invited to visit www.dtpk.org to learn more about the proposed BID boundaries, how the assessment would be calculated, the organization's preliminary budget, and what the BID revenue would accomplish.

The Common Council public hearing will be at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 in the Common Council Chambers, City Hall, third floor.