News Summary
Birmingham has announced the expansion of its Business Improvement District (BID) to include the vibrant areas of 5 Points South and The Switch. This initiative aims to create a welcoming environment for local businesses while enhancing safety and cleanliness. Community cooperation is emphasized, allowing residents to share ideas through advisory forums. Michael Symes has been appointed as the district manager to oversee operations. As the city gears up for this transformative change, other neighborhoods are encouraged to express interest in similar expansions.
Birmingham Expands Business Improvement District: A Boost for Local Shops!
Big news for the business scene in Birmingham! As of July this year, the city has decided to expand its Business Improvement District (BID) to cover the lively areas of 5 Points South and The Switch. This expansion is all about cultivating a friendly and thriving environment for local businesses and making our streets even safer.
What’s a Business Improvement District?
You might be wondering what a BID is. Well, it’s a collaborative effort among local property owners who come together to manage and improve their neighborhood. Property owners pitch in to collect an annual assessment fund, which is then overseen by a board of directors made up of folks from the area. The dollars collected are put toward things like security, cleaning, and exciting special events meant to draw in visitors.
A New Face: Meet the District Manager
With this expansion, Birmingham sees a shiny new addition to its team. Michael Symes has been appointed as the district manager for the City Center. He’s the go-to person for anything related to day-to-day operations and will keep in touch with businesses about all the exciting projects and improvements coming their way. Start marking your calendars because he’s set to kick off his new role on September 1!
Keeping it Clean and Safe
One of the key partners in this venture is CAP Clean and Safety. They have been working hard to maintain cleanliness and ensure a safer environment in the newly expanded districts. By enhancing safety measures and cleanliness, this initiative is all set to create a more inviting space for both residents and visitors. What’s not to love?
Revving Up Marketing Strategies
The folks behind the BID aren’t stopping at just cleaning and safety. They’re also diving into fresh and exciting marketing strategies to attract more visitors to the area. The goal? To create a competitive edge for local businesses by cultivating an attractive atmosphere and a unique identity for the districts.
Community Collaboration is Key
One of the highlights of expanding the BID is that community input is welcomed with open arms! Residents have the chance to share their thoughts and ideas through advisory forums. This ensures that the plans reflect the desires of the people who live and work in the area. Whether you’re a business owner or a resident, your voice will matter!
Exciting Prospects for Other Neighborhoods
If you’re not part of 5 Points South or The Switch but loved hearing about all these developments, there’s good news! REV Birmingham is encouraging other neighborhoods to express interest in expanding the BID into their areas as well. It all starts when local business owners, residents, and property owners band together to show their enthusiasm for the initiative.
Backing the BID
The expansion of the BID wasn’t just a whim—it received solid backing from local leadership. Over 50% of property owners in both districts showed their approval, which gave the green light for this exciting project to move forward. However, it’s worth noting that businesses will be assessed to help fund these enhanced services. The assessment will be set at 3 mills, based on county property tax assessments.
Addressing Concerns from Local Businesses
Of course, not everyone is on board with the plans. Some businesses have raised concerns about the additional costs tied to the BID and have 60 days to rally signatures if they wish to protest. Nevertheless, the Birmingham City Council believes the benefits—like improved safety and cleanliness—far outweigh the costs, making the decision to push ahead with the expansion.
The Future Looks Bright!
So, whether you own a business in 5 Points South, enjoy a walk through The Switch, or live nearby, there’s a lot to be excited about as Birmingham implements these changes. This initiative is set to create a vibrant, secure, and welcoming atmosphere that will benefit everyone involved. Here’s to a brighter future for our city!
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Additional Resources
- WBRC: Business Improvement Districts Helping Bring New Ideas to 5 Points South and The Switch
- AL.com: Five Points South Will Get CAP Patrols Under New Clean and Safe Plan
- ABC3340: Five Points South Birmingham CAP Services Clean Up, Safety, Security
- Bloomberg: Why It’s So Hard to Invest in Black Neighborhoods
- AL.com: Birmingham Citizen Action Partnership’s Role Unchanged in Wake of Five Points Shooting
