On a small scale, I am happy that anyone is even considering the alternative of creating a true "community based" organization to supplement the City's services. It's probably a great way to unite the neighborhood (if it could really happen). It is a little disappointing to hear such "can't do" technical objections to the concept. If we were able to keep costs down I figure that $25 per residentail property per year and $100 for each business would cover all of the required costs (if the original UCD estimates for funding the NID are used). There would be money left over. Regarding Brian's fear that residences and businesses would fight over control and hardships would be created-- I figure at the levels I am speaking about there should be no issues of control or fairness. We could even allow exemptions for elderly to not pay even their $25 if they chose and the debt could become a lien on the house for when the estate disposed of the asset. I figure there would be enough INCREASE in value to the houses created by our own "clean and safe" that the house would pay the back-fees easily with plenty extra.
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