| Author | Message | ||
     Sheena Collum SHU Citizen Username: Sheena_collum Post Number: 307 Registered: 4-2005  |
At tonight's BOT meeting, Trustee Rosen was speaking about moving towards the idea of a SID. As I recall, I believe the chamber of commerce and majority of businesses downtown were very much opposed to it last time it was mentioned. It definitely has it's benefits and of course the setbacks would be the finances of it and taxes. Any insight from MOLers on what they think? I'm leaning towards a "good idea" mainly because the exec. director would be independent and whatnot. Revenue definitely should also go to "redevelopment" which never got answered at the meeting... Let the Debate Begin... | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 2635 Registered: 5-2001  |
The main argument was the COST of the DRMC. However, 5 minutes later they "suddenly" had $250,000 to spend on a Tony Smith statue. A DRMC would do so much more for the downtown area than a replica of a statue ever will. | ||
| noracoombs Citizen Username: Noracoombs Post Number: 98 Registered: 8-2002 |
Sheena: the big question is how much control over redevelopment a SID would have. And despite what you heard last night, there is NO WAY the Village President, Village Administrator, and BOT is going to hand over any critical redevelopment decisions to an independent body. Even with the first two DRMC proposals, the BOT (not the current "redevelopment committee" comprised of the Village President, Village Administrator, and Village Attorney) had final say over all major redevelopment actions--completely understandable, given that they are supposed to be the governing body of the Village. What I want to know is this: Why in the hell did the BOT waste the time of TWO different DRMC boards (going so far as to tell at least one of them not to worry about the financial aspects of what they might be proposing) if they knew the end result was going to be, "um, we can't afford a DRMC, let's do a SID"? | ||
| mary brenner Citizen Username: Marybrenner Post Number: 34 Registered: 7-2005 |
MY opinion is the problem with the downtown is not the down town it is the landlords and the owners of the properties. There should be a law in place to protect the conditions of the downtown from landlords and owners. It seems that people are allowd to do what ever they wish with their commercial property. But residents of the town must keep their homes in good visual condition. Why not make it manditory that all commercial properties have to maintain a standard and must be either rented or occupied by a business in a particular amount of time? many properties in the center of or near the center of town are vacant. Why are the properties near starbucks so nice. They have great signs and have nice awnings. | ||
| Spitz Supporter Username: Doublea Post Number: 1229 Registered: 3-2003 |
It's my understanding of a SID that the business and propety owners, not the town, pay a fee to the SID which supports its activities, such as litter collection, etc. I think it's the issue of who is going to pay the costs that is at the heart of the resistance on the part of the business and property owners. | ||
| Elaine Harris Citizen Username: Elaineharris Post Number: 7 Registered: 12-2004 |
I watched the meeting on TV. I believe I heard Allan Rosen say that they needed money for pensions and salaries and other non business district expenses. Am I correct? If not, please tell me. Then came his quantum leap from needing money to imposing a SIDS tax on the business people to help defray the costs. I have been a part of all task forces that have studied this issue for South Orange. We have learned that unless the business district is in favor (which it is not), the concept will not work. Is this simple fact not enough? A "SID" must be for the business district not a vehicle for government to raise money. The business district is struggling for numerous reasons, but soft economy, stiff competition, consumer saturation, and lack of sufficient parking are major contributing factors. I am aware of several businesses that might not make it through the next several months. Do you seriously think that by imposing yet another financial burden on the merchants that you are doing a good service? Why is this particular issue of interest to you, Sheena? What did you mean when you said "it definitely has its benefits?" Sorry, but I can not think of a single benefit. Perhaps you can try to enlighten me. | ||
| mary brenner Citizen Username: Marybrenner Post Number: 35 Registered: 7-2005 |
Ms. Harris thank you for explaining what a sid is. You raise some interesting points. If you impose a manditory tax on the businesses then lets face it they are just going to raise their prices to make it up. As far as businesses not making it which ones are you talking about? We all should support these businesses. I always make sure before I make the decision to go to another town or mall that I can not get what I need in town. Spitz talks about trash collection. When I am in town I see trash all over. Why not hand out littering tickets to the offenders? I was coming out of Starbucks on Saturday around noon and there were a group of people using the starbucks tables for their dunkin doughnuts lunch and throwing cigarette butts allover. My son and myself had our snack at the bench. People must show some respect and pride for their town. And to your point Ms. Harris Sheena seems to be very much in favor for this sid. Maybe she can shed some light on the benefits? Has anyone approached all the business that would be involved? | ||
| growler Citizen Username: Growler Post Number: 714 Registered: 11-2001  |
Here is the true definition of a SID: What is a Special Improvement District? Special (Business) Improvement Districts are true public/private partnerships working to revitalize struggling economic communities. A SID is an organizational and financing tool used by local businesses in partnership with the municipality to provide specialized services such as sidewalk maintenance, graffi ti removal, physical improvements, security, special events and holiday lighting, as well as marketing and business promotion. In a sense, a SID is similar to a water, sewer or fire district – property owners pay an additional charge for specific services. SIDS enable downtown property owners and merchants to form a local management association with the authority to collect assessments, in turn providing a dependable source of funding for downtown improvements and a management plan for leading the revitalization effort. Here is the link for more information: http://www.state.nj.us/dca/publications/dcr/sidbro.pdf | ||
| Sheena Collum SHU Citizen Username: Sheena_collum Post Number: 312 Registered: 4-2005 |
Ms. Harris, To address your questions: 1) "Why is this particular issue of interest to you, Sheena?" I'm a bit perturbed by this question...I'm not sure why it would not be of interest to me. During the election you had said students had a vested interest in the town and more of us should get involved. Why would I not care about the look of the downtown? For that matter, why would anyone not care about the overall quality of life in South Orange. Furthermore, I thought as President of the Chamber of Commerce it's your duty to listen to concerns of residents and be a liaison between the businesses and the villagers. 2) What did you mean when you said "it definitely has its benefits? Sorry, but I can not think of a single benefit" I'll do my best to enlighten you but I'm almost positive you know what I'm about to say... Benefits: ** Provide a stable funding source for downtown management. ** Be eligible for grants and loans only available to SIDs. ** Offer supplemental services to the business district. ** Provide consistent representation to the municipality on behalf of the business community. ** Enhance the visibility of businesses located within the district. ** Maintain the overall quality of life. ** Preserve and improve property values. MORE BENEFITS When a survey was sent out from the Steering Committee it yielded 61 responses out of 600 - 60% said they would not favor a SID. I'm speculating the majority of people who took the time to fill out the surveys and were against it are business owners because they pick up the cost and NOT THE TAXPAYERS. In regards to the other questions you posed. - The Village does need money for salaries and pensions for economic development unless we have the most volunteer oriented community in the world. - You're right - the concept will not work if the businesses don't support it. But why wouldn't they if it helps the downtown and will help their business? The cost? (See below for costs) - Why would the Village government not use a SID as a way to fundraise money? If the money from the SID goes to the downtown - then it offsets the cost for residents... correct? If more money comes from the businesses than less come from residents... (and it seems MOL often advocates for less taxes). Furthermore, SIDs are regulated by the STATE (not Village Hall) so how could you imply that the Village government would use it for anything else? - You claim that a SID will be a "financial burden" to already struggling businesses. If a small business pays an average of a couple hundred bucks a year, the benefits of downtown maintenance & aesthetic improvements, and the benefits of economic development which would draw more stores into the downtown and therefore more shoppers that would benefit already existing businesses far exceeds the "financial burden" of the SID. What would Businesses Pay? Here's 2 examples of businesses Bunny's - $425 A YEAR - $1.16 a day El Greco - $263.50 a YEAR - 72 cents a day So for as low as 72 cents a day from a business, there could be litter cleanup and beautification, security, promotions and marketing, facade improvements, business recruitment, and better communication? Maybe I'm missing something. (Some information provided above are excerpts from District Feasibility Plan) On a side note, Dr. Rosen stated that with a SID, the executive director would be independent from the Village and would report directly to the SID and not the Village Administrator (if that pleases anyone...) So now my questions to you Ms. Harris would be 1) Why should the Village not support a SID and why would residents (not businesses) be against it? 2) What has the Chamber of Commerce done to help with the problems downtown 3) In your expert opinion, how would you do this differently? So Ms. Harris, these are all reasons why this issue is of interest to me... | ||
| Elaine Harris Citizen Username: Elaineharris Post Number: 8 Registered: 12-2004 |
Yes, Mary, two surveys were done at separate times and each one produced the same negative result. Please bear in mind that part of the business district is "in" Redevelopment and part is not. I am of the opinion that the part that is "in" Redevelopment can not be made subject to a "Special Improvement District," (SID). Therefore, the proposal will be even more unfair if implemented because it will not affect all the businesses even handedly. Theoretically, some will pay and some will not. The Downtown Management Task Force which met over several months issued a report with some reasonable solutions and recommendations. However, to date, the report has been ignored, or at the very least, the recommendations have not been implemented. | ||
| Pizzaz Supporter Username: Pizzaz Post Number: 2182 Registered: 11-2001  |
Work on one problem at a time, Sheena. Focus on a jitney to the university to spur economic development. We can then talk about the rationale of imposing a sid when in fact what we need is a DRMC. The issues of parking and the continuing redevelopment plans of this town should trump any discussion concerning a sid. Never mind the expenditure for the Smith sculpture. Today, it must be the heat and humidity! BTW: Who is your source of information? And, how would you know what the tax would be? | ||
| peteglider Citizen Username: Peteglider Post Number: 1318 Registered: 8-2002 |
ALthough its not the norm here in SO, before any additional fees are put on businesses -- there had better be a plan with clear benefits that lays out what will be done with the $$. We have dozens of small businesses in SO -- and they need to be encouraged to stay. Any idea -- are there any stats on business revenues year over year in SO? (I'm guessing not) -- then what is the buzz on the street -- are restaurants doing better than last year? Other shops? Finally, before such a thing would be considered -- is there a parallel in Maplewood? Montclair? Summit? Millburn? ('cause if not, wouldn't this be one more thing to push businesses to other towns?) /p | ||
| growler Citizen Username: Growler Post Number: 716 Registered: 11-2001 |
You know that Maplewood had two SIDS that have been running very well for years. One for the Village and one for Springfield Avenue. Maybe someone should talk to the executive directors of those SIDS to get some feedback and ideas on how SO can/could use one. | ||
| Spitz Supporter Username: Doublea Post Number: 1232 Registered: 3-2003 |
Thanks for the information growler. Sheena's post above really spells out the case for a SID quite eloquently. It seems that SO is exactly the kind of struggling downtown that a SID was aimed at. As I recall, two of the most vocal opponents of a SID last time are no longer in business. Whatever their reason for either selling or closing their businesses, what did they achieve by opposing a SID? Perhaps if they hadn't opposed a SID, the central business district would have been in a lot better shape. | ||
| Jim Murphy Citizen Username: Jimmurphy Post Number: 196 Registered: 5-2001 |
Sheena, First off, thanks very much for starting this thread. Out of curiousity, where do the financial numbers come from? Elaine (and other SID opponents), If a SID is not the answer, then what is? What are the specific recommendations that the Downtown Management Task Force have made? Who is responsible for their implementation? It seems that the Village (read the taxpayers) has done a tremendous amount to try and improve the business district, perhaps not as quickly as we all would like, but certainly a tremendous amount of effort has been put in. As for results, while they have been slow in coming, Sloan Street is beautiful, the streetscaping project is definately an improvement, and SOPAC is finally well under way. It seems that it's time for the landlords and businesses who will most directly benefit from an improved downtown to step up to the plate. Morristown has a SID. Summit has a SID. Fairlawn has a SID. Bernardsville has a SID. Red Bank has a SID. Are we so on-the-ball that we couldn't use one, too? Edited to add: And for the record, here's another vote aginst the Tony Smith sculpture, especially on Sloan Street. We're not to the point where we can afford this kind of fluff yet. | ||
| Elaine Harris Citizen Username: Elaineharris Post Number: 9 Registered: 12-2004 |
Sheena, I will answer all of it, but not all at once because I think doing so overburdens this board. As to your list of "benefits": 1. The most "stable funding" source for downtown management is the annual budget. Businesses come and go. In a deep recession, how stable would your funding be? 2. Grants and Loans? Loans = more debt service. Do we need more of that? Grants? for what? 3. Give me an example of a "supplemental service" as I can not envision one that can not be provided by the existing government. 4. How can a SID provide consistent representation when even our government does not have it. Representatives change all the time. Furthermore, our government has representation from the Chamber of Commerce, for example. What is wrong with that? 5. Enhance the visibility of businesses? But what if the businesses don't want that? Or want to do it without intervention? 6. Maintain overall quality of life? For whom? For the business owner who doesn't want it? or for the political appointee who gets the top management job? 7. Preserve and improve property values? Absolutely no evidence of this. The appraisal of my residence does not factor in whether or not the business district has a SID. This is pure hype. If I am right (the concept will not work if the businesses don't support it) then why pursue it? Your example of what Bunny's and El Greco would pay is based upon what? How did you arrive at those figures? Would you argue with me if I said that it would be $3,500 or more? What has the Chamber of Commerce done to help with the "problems" downtown? First, define what the "problems" are. Secondly, at least two of us were on every single task force that met and we made every meeting (almost) and we brainstormed along with everyone else. We gave up many, many evenings and Saturday mornings to do this for the benefit of the community. That is part of what the Chamber of Commerce did. And by the way Sheena, lighten up! Isn't that what you tell others? | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 6994 Registered: 4-1997  |
Some towns have BIDs, which are organized and run by the property and business owners themselves, I think. That kind of enlightened self-rule among business owners seems more viable. | ||
| Jim Murphy Citizen Username: Jimmurphy Post Number: 197 Registered: 5-2001 |
Is the levy on the businesses or the property owners (landlords)? | ||
| growler Citizen Username: Growler Post Number: 717 Registered: 11-2001 |
It is on the property owners NOT the businesses. | ||
| Jim Murphy Citizen Username: Jimmurphy Post Number: 198 Registered: 5-2001 |
Elaine: There goes that argument... | ||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 2121 Registered: 4-2002 |
Sheena: Good post and I agree that you deserve thanks for starting this thread. Elaine: One supplemental service would be a daytime jitney service (one that is not for commuters). For example since Maplewood has a SID and S. Orange is considering one, it could be used to fund a jitney to make a loop that goes from Maplewood village to S. Orange village. I know you can think of others too. There are pros and cons to a SID but as pointed out last night, the biggest advantage is that it provides a funding mechanism for a DMC. In the long run, I think that should be what business and property owners want although clearly a DMC would need some funding from the village too. It would make for a partnership between the business community, the village and the residents. Why should the residents bear the full cost of a DMC because some landlords just don't seem to care about the downtown? What bothered me last night (besides Trustee Rosen taking so long to get to the point) was that the discussion of a SID should have been on the agenda and the representatives of the DMC committee should have been invited to participate. As it was, all we had was a monologue from Trustee Rosen instead of a discussion. In fact, a SID should have been raised months ago by Dr. Rosen since he feels there is no other way to fund a DMC. | ||
| growler Citizen Username: Growler Post Number: 718 Registered: 11-2001 |
Just one? How about Marketing and Promotion of SO to potential small businesses and developers full time? There could be many more b/c a SID is not supposed to replace the current BOT only to support it and manage activities they do not have the time for.
The SID would work with the current BOT, the Chamber and other resources that currently are not being tapped into to provide the consistent representation that SO needs. They would follow the Master Plan for the downtown so that any potential developers or small businesses could go to the SID director directly to obtain any information they may need regarding SO.
Seriously? What small business does not want more visibility? More visibility equals more customers and more customers equal more revenue. The more that SO can show potential small business owners and developers that it is a viable place to open a business the better the downtown will become.
For the town residents that want to see positive redevelopment and for the downtown itself. The appointee should be someone that is not affiliated with the current BOT and has been trained by an entity that specializes in SID managers.
Not hype at all. I believe that Sheena is speaking of business property values, not residential property values. | ||
| Glock 17 Citizen Username: Glock17 Post Number: 4 Registered: 7-2005  |
wait wait wait...what the hell is a sid? | ||
| Sheena Collum SHU Citizen Username: Sheena_collum Post Number: 313 Registered: 4-2005 |
Wow - nice debate folks... I'm a camp counselor now so I need to pay attention to my little speech and debate kiddies... but I have a lot more to post... coming at 5:00pm. But - Growler... "ditto" that saved me 1/2 of the stuff I wanted to post, lol  | ||
| growler Citizen Username: Growler Post Number: 719 Registered: 11-2001 |
I got your back on this one kiddo.  | ||
| patjoyce Citizen Username: Patjoyce Post Number: 66 Registered: 7-2001 |
Two distinct groups of volunteers from the Village donated months to debate the pros and cons of creating a Special Improvement District (SID) versus creating a Downtown Redevelopment Corporation. These groups interviewed the administrators/directors of SIDS and DRMC's in WEstfield, Milburn, Summit, Montclair, Maplewood, Englewood and towns I'm sure I am leaving out. The two seperate committees were comprised of representatives from various stakeholders in the improvement of the downtown. At the conclusion of 12 months of discussion and debate TWO seperate reports were submitted to the BOT recommending an explicit road map for improving redevelopment and the day to day management of downtown. Both reports rejected the notion of a SID tax at this time. Both reports commented about the need for transparency and public input on major projects which impact upon the downtown (I think there a seperate thread which addresses this issue re: the Parking Deck). Both reports recommmended the appointment of a board which was independent of , but comprised of members from the BOT which would oversee the downtown management. Both reports recommended that the Village Administrator be permitted to devote his time to running the Village, while this other board would address issues affecting the downtown and redevelopment. The second report should still be available on the Village web site. Patrick | ||
| Pizzaz Supporter Username: Pizzaz Post Number: 2183 Registered: 11-2001 |
Agreed, thanks - Pat. | ||
| growler Citizen Username: Growler Post Number: 720 Registered: 11-2001 |
Who were the volunteers on both groups? Is this information available? | ||
| Spitz Supporter Username: Doublea Post Number: 1233 Registered: 3-2003 |
Patrick - Do the reports discuss how the Downtown Redevelopment Corp. is to be funded? | ||
| Glock 17 Citizen Username: Glock17 Post Number: 7 Registered: 7-2005 |
wait wait by "donated" you meant...they were CHOSEN haha sounds like something that shouldve been in a mailing | ||
| Sheena Collum SHU Citizen Username: Sheena_collum Post Number: 314 Registered: 4-2005 |
the taxpayers.... if the businesses are not being taxed - it is the residents who are... that was the relavence of why Allan Rosen was talking about the costs of salaries and pensions etc. - they MUST pay for those and alluded to the lack of money available to this type of committee... That's how the discussion of the SID came up... whoops I cheated, I'll post later with the rest of the stuff I have. Growler - I have something for you, I'll PL you in a couple... kiddo | ||
| Spitz Supporter Username: Doublea Post Number: 1234 Registered: 3-2003 |
Sheena - I realize that the taxpayers fund the DRMC if there is not a SID or other similar entity involved. Funding has always been an issue. I was just wondering whether the reports addressed the matter or just didn't mention it. It had been stated in the past that funding would not be discussed because it would interfere with the other objectives. But here we are and funding has to be considered. Was it addressed in the reports? | ||
| Jim Murphy Citizen Username: Jimmurphy Post Number: 199 Registered: 5-2001 |
Patrick, I looked on the Village Website and could not find the report you refer to. Could you point us in the right direction? Thanks, Jim | ||
| Spitz Supporter Username: Doublea Post Number: 1235 Registered: 3-2003 |
http://southorange.org/news.asp?page=12 | ||
| Jim Murphy Citizen Username: Jimmurphy Post Number: 200 Registered: 5-2001 |
Thanks Elliot | ||
| Elaine Harris Citizen Username: Elaineharris Post Number: 10 Registered: 12-2004 |
To Jim Murphy and Growler and everyone else: All property owners will transfer the SID assessment to their tenants. As it stands, tenants already pay a portion of the real estate taxes. In some cases, believe it or not, right here in SO, the lease allows the landlord to receive a copy of the merchant's tax return and then assess a fee on any profits over the previous year's return. The only way the landlord would pay the entire SID tax is if the building were entirely vacant. That is what you might get if you push too hard. If the sole purpose of SID were to promote South Orange (as opposed to South Orange businesses) then this should be done by a Downtown Management Corp., or by the Village Administration, not by a group of merchants. The promotion of South Orange includes the promotion of residential homes. Of course this is good, but why should I pay for this and not my next door neighbor, too? I think Patrick Joyce gave an excellent reply to the discussion board by detailing what went into the process of analyzing a SID for South Orange. After all those months of serious study, do you think it is fair for you to want a SID and totally ignore our report to the Trustees? I think that the expression "step up to the plate" is very rude to the merchants. They donate to every event, they struggle to provide goods and services, and the result is that you have good stores to shop in and equally good professional services at your fingertips. I am very puzzled by this cavalier attitude that the merchants "owe" you something. I could argue the other way. I think every resident should support every business and professional 100% (as far as possible) before going to another community. The residents should step up to the plate. The burden is on them. | ||
| mary brenner Citizen Username: Marybrenner Post Number: 37 Registered: 7-2005 |
I have a question for Mr.Rosner or Mr. Rosen. Is it possible if you institute a SID to include Seton Hall? And If so roughly how much would their share be??? Roughly. I have another question perhaps Pizzaz could answer this as he is a business owner. Mr. Pizzaz as a property owner you pay taxes in town? Safe to say yes. As a business you must be paying rent to your corporation and or taxes as the owner of the property. Why should the town now charge you to maintain the area? Is that not double taxation? Will a sid not benefit all the people who live in the town? Clean streets, nice plaintings, helping the businesses to maintain their appearance? SO why not charge all the residents for a SID lets see would that not cost roughly .50 cents each a month? And last mr. Pizzaz lets say you are hit with the sid and lets say it does nothing to increase your business in a year is the town willing to return your money? | ||
| Jim Murphy Citizen Username: Jimmurphy Post Number: 201 Registered: 5-2001 |
The report that Patrick mentions above indicates that that the SID steering committee presented a feasibility study to the trustees in March 2002. Is this feasibility study available? Elaine, it was not my intent to be rude to you or any other merchant in town; or to denigrate what I'm sure were the best efforts of those who participated in the DMC study. It is clear from a reading of the report that the DMC Initial Board did not even consider a SID. Apparently this was a two-step process, where first a SID was considered by the SID steering committee and rejected. After that, the DMC Initial Board did its work. I (and I'm sure many others on this board) would like to get a better understanding of why this was rejected, when so many other town business districts have successful SIDs in place. | ||
| peteglider Citizen Username: Peteglider Post Number: 1320 Registered: 8-2002 |
As I read the report -- it appears to me that this is basically envisioned as a 2 person office, that will perform various services. Only a small amount (~50k in the 2nd year) would be directly spent/returned to businesses. (the document talks about directing marketing and promotional activities -- but where are the $$ for that coming from?) My question is -- what is the expectation of what 2 people could accomplish? Improve retention by x% (or # of businesses per year), bring in x# of new businesses per year, etc. ? I would have expected a real budget for marketing, consulting, events, advertising, etc. -- in order to promote SO to businesses, realtors, developers, etc. In concept this makes much sense -- but I didn't read any objectives or benchmarks for what these people should accomplish in this position. I think it would be very helpful to know about how DMRCs in other towns do this -- and examples of what Westfield, Montclair, etc. are spending and accomplishing in their towns. For instance, my question is -- is hiring 2 people with almost no budget to spend worth it? Or does it take another $100,000, $200,000 or whatever on top of that to get results? Unfortunate that all this work was put in -- and now the discussion seems to be stalled. Let's keep the discussion going until there is some action! Pete | ||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 2122 Registered: 4-2002 |
Mary: SHU could be included in the SID but probably not likely. Their share (using the formula from the old SID study) would be over $150,000. I do not think it is likely they would be included - and remember if they are, services would have to be provided to SHU (jitney?). Elaine: Just to be clear from my point of view, the first time I heard about the SID coming up again was when I read the finance committee meeting minutes. Trustee Rosen decided on his own to raise the issue with that committee and not under direction from the BOT. Prior to the election the BOT had stated that we would look for ways to fund a DMC without bringing in a SID immediately. In fact we specifically discussed waiting till the three projects were completed (New Market, SOPAC and Beifus - or at least in the latter stages of construction). Furthermore, I questioned Trustee Rosens' timing the other night and as to why he chose to discuss without inviting the DMC to the meeting to present their views, which I still want to hear. Not once did Trustee Rosen (or anyone else) raise the issue of a SID. The BOT passed a resolution that the only thing left to deal with was small details. In my opinion, a SID is not a detail. I feel that the finance committee needs to sit down again and to work through this to see how we can fund a DMC at least through 2006 before we consider a SID. By that time we could have some evidence that a DMC is helping the business district or if not, re-evaluate the situation. |
