News Summary
The Asheville City Council has approved a Business Improvement District (BID) aimed at enhancing downtown safety and cleanliness with a 6-1 vote. This initiative includes a property tax increase that will fund supplemental services such as public safety and ambassador programs. While community feedback has shown support, there are concerns regarding gentrification and the impact on vulnerable populations. The BID is set to launch in the summer, marking a significant commitment to improving the downtown area.
Asheville Launches New Business Improvement District to Enhance Downtown Safety and Cleanliness
Asheville City Council has approved the creation of a Business Improvement District (BID) with a significant 6-1 vote on January 14. This new initiative is designed as a tax revenue funding mechanism aimed at providing supplemental services beyond what the city currently offers as a response to growing concerns about downtown safety and cleanliness, along with homelessness issues, that have become more pronounced following the pandemic.
The establishment of the BID will result in a property tax increase of 9 cents per $100 of taxable property. Owners of properties valued at approximately $400,000 will see an annual tax increase of around $360. The anticipated funding for this initiative totals approximately $1.25 million annually, with plans for significant allocations directed towards enhancing public safety and cleanliness in the downtown region. Of this, $700,000 will be allocated for hiring and managing eleven ambassadors, while an additional $300,000 is earmarked for improved cleaning services.
Roles of the Ambassadors
The ambassadors will operate daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., significantly contributing to efforts aimed at creating a more welcoming downtown atmosphere. Their primary roles will include direct engagement with the homeless community, an essential aspect of addressing public concerns regarding safety, cleanliness, and the visibility of homelessness. Training programs for the ambassadors will cover anti-racist education, mental health first aid, and de-escalation techniques to equip them with the necessary skills for their roles.
Community Concerns and Feedback
The decision to implement this BID stemmed from feedback from downtown Asheville business owners, who raised serious concerns about safety and crime levels in the area. In more than a decade of discussions surrounding the Bid, recent events and changing dynamics in the community have hastened the move towards its implementation. Local residents and business owners have reported a noticeably improved atmosphere due to an increased presence of ambassadors since training commenced on May 1.
However, the initiative has not been without its critics. Some community members have expressed concerns that the BID may lead to gentrification and unintended displacement of vulnerable populations. Furthermore, acts of vandalism against supporters of the BID have been reported, indicating that tensions exist within the community regarding the initiative.
Budget Allocation and Future Developments
City planning documents reveal a detailed budget breakdown for the BID, reinforcing its commitment to improving the downtown experience. As this initiative moves forward, plans include ongoing evaluations and gathering community feedback to shape the BID’s direction. Improvements are underway, and the program is set to officially launch in the summer, aiming to foster positive changes in downtown Asheville.
In summary, the launch of the Business Improvement District in Asheville represents a concerted effort by the city to enhance safety, cleanliness, and community interactions in its downtown area. With plans for ambassador training and significant financial backing, the BID strives to address the pressing issues highlighted by downtown residents and business owners alike.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Downtown Improvement District Yields Results
- Mountain X: Who Will Run the BID?
- WLOS: Asheville Business Improvement District Approved
- AVLtoday: Takeaways from the State of Downtown
- Wikipedia: Business Improvement District
- Google Search: Asheville Business Improvement District
- Google Scholar: Business Improvement District
- Google News: Asheville Cleanliness Improvement
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
