In a message dated 10/11/2007 10:24:57 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Here's an interesting article (from yesterday's Inquirer) on a BID in an
area with some similarities to (university involvement), and a lot of
differences from (crosses city boundaries, has gigantic commercial spaces), UC.
- Melani Lamond
Thanks for that, too, Melani.
The article didn't indicate things like what types of properties along City
Ave would be subject to the surtax, or the rate. It also didn't tell what
kind of budget they'd have -- in total or for the specific functions they'd
perform. Come to think of it, they didn't say much about the functions, either.
Maybe you know some of this and can share it with us.
UC residents might be more interested in the Frankford BID, a bill to
establish which has now been referred to City Council's Rules Committee.
1. It seems to be a "true" BID -- in the sense of businesses defined
under the law as those engaged in trade and commerce -- in that it covers
commercial properties along Frankford Ave from 1529 through 5343, plus some
commercial side streets which intersect Frankford Ave, and a few on Kensington
Ave,
too..
2. The functions will be what the affected property owners say they want
-- just 4-day/week sidewalk litter pickup, twice yearly sidewalks steam
cleaning, and some roving safety ambassadors.
3. The total budget is $78,000 per annum -- $20,000 for administration
(no room for a $78,000 flackette or a $120,000 executive director), $5,000 for
office supplies and postage, $50,000 for a contract with an outside firm to
provide the litter ad ambassador squads, and $3,000 for a mandatory audit).
4. It seems to be an offshoot of a Frankford Special Services District,
which was originally set up in 1995, so it has a track record for doing the
job people want done at a price they're willing to pay.
I haven't been able to locate an electronic copy of the proposed ordinance,
which includes the plan and a listing of all parties proposed for the tax. But
it's Bill No 070540 and is available in hard copy form from the City Council
Chief Clerk's office at City Hall.
Always at your service & ready for a dialog,
Al Krigman -- 36-year local resident and supplier of relevant information to
help people think about issues for themselves
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