Downtown Improvement District Comes to a Vote
Local News
by
Stephany Beshara
last edited on
Monday, June 28, 2010
Not everyone agrees, it's called the Downtown Improvement District, the Business Improvement District, or Main Street Square. But it doesn't matter what you call it, it all comes down to one vote. Tuesday, people in Rapid City have the option to vote yes or no on the Downtown Business Improvement District. Those opposed to the plan say the parking lot in question is too small for the plans that have been shown to the public.
Independent Optical Owner, Charles Mordhorst, said, "We found out that the BID they have, the park they want to set up, is way too small for the property they have designated for it."
But Dan Senftner with Destination Rapid City, who has been fighting for the project, says the architects made the design specifically for this area.
"These people are world renown, they've done squares and plazas all over the United States and Europe. We're relying on our architects and our engineers because that’s what they do for a living," said Senftner.
Mordhorst says he also has a problem with paying an additional tax for this square because his business is located about a half mile away from the project. He says he's not even sure how much he will actually be taxed.
"Nobody really knows at this point, they keep coming up with low figures then our side figures out that isn't even realistic," said Mordhorst.
Senftner says each business will be taxed according to its location and assessment value, and for most businesses the tax will be about $35 a month. But, he says additional foot traffic downtown will only boost business in Rapid City.
"You're going to be driving by you're going to be in the area you visited the square you're going to walk around and shop and see other things you may drive a business and go, 'I didn't even know that was in town'," said Senftner.
Finally, what about parking?
Senftner said, "Parking will not be an issue. The ramp right now has 500 spaces, it's connected right to Main Street Square. All those spaces are free after 4:00 p.m. during the week and all weekend, 500 spots."
Mordhorst said, "By taking away all of the parking and putting businesses leaving the area it kind of makes you wonder if there is a real need for this park."
While businesses remain split on this issue, both sides agree it will come down to the vote on Tuesday.
The downtown improvement district isn't the only thing on the ballot Tuesday.
Folks living in City Ward 5 and 4 will be voting for their next City Council Alderman.
In Ward 5 it's a run off between Ron Sasso and Bonnie Peterson. In Ward 4 it's between Jordan Mason and John Roberts.