WILTON MANORS, Fla., Jan. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In December 2014, the Wilton Manors City Commission adopted an ordinance creating the Wilton Drive Business Improvement District (BID). The formation of the BID was the result of cooperation between the City Commission, the Economic Development Task Force and the Wilton Manors business community.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160121/324736
The BID allows property owners within a defined geographic region along Wilton Drive to assess their own progress and generate funding to support that area without diverting resources from other important City functions. Funding for the implementation of the BID's plan will be derived from non-ad valorem assessment of district-only properties. In other words, the BID provides an opportunity for businesses and property owners along Wilton Drive to use their own funds through annual assessments to support business activities along Wilton Drive.
Home to a thriving arts and entertainment district, Wilton Drive is the heart of the City's commercial area, and the sustainability of Wilton Drive as a local, regional and international destination is an ongoing goal of the City Commission. Investing in the infrastructure of this area is investing in the future of Wilton Manors.
"Formation of the BID was extremely important. While the City has made significant investment in Wilton Drive over the years and made tremendous improvements, it is important to give the property owners and businesses the opportunity to come up with new ideas to support financially. We anticipate the BID to enhance the great progress we have already made on Wilton Drive," said Mayor Gary Resnick. "We were pleased to provide the property and business owners with a mechanism for supporting business activities, and we look forward to a partnership that will benefit the Drive, our business owners, residents, and our visitors."
Per the City's Ordinance, the BID will be governed by a board of directors comprised of three business owners, three property owners and one area resident. On October 6, 2015, the City Commission appointed Doug Blevins, James Govin, Robert Katz, Paul Hugo, Greg Phelps, Danny Scarfone, and Daniel Keester to serve on the Board of the BID. The Board of the BID appointed Doug Blevins to serve as Chair. Doug represents Mr. Barry Minoff, who owns 2400 Wilton Drive, and thus has a significant stake in the success of the Drive.
The BID board will work to establish the plan and priorities for the BID and will provide an annual budget for the City Commission's review. All BID meetings and activities are subject to the Florida Sunshine Law, and anyone is welcome to attend and to participate at the BID meetings.
The ordinance creating the BID will be in place for a period of 10 years with the possibility of renewal after that time. During that period, the board will be allowed to work on issues such as improving pedestrian safety, increasing parking opportunities, marketing the businesses on Wilton Drive, and planning special events and street celebrations. It will also address potential action items, such as providing landscaping and street amenities such as benches and lighting, and marketing activities to support Wilton Drive business activities.
ABOUT THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS
Wilton Manors was laid out in 1925 by Edward John "Ned" Willingham, a land developer from Georgia, as an upscale residential community. It was recognized as a Village in 1947 and incorporated as a City in 1953. Today, the City of Wilton Manors offers all the benefits of a big city from shopping, to hip restaurants and bars, a burgeoning arts community and tons of community events, yet still maintains a cozy, community-feeling offering miles of natural waterways perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding and other outdoor activities. Recently named the "Second Gayest City" in the United States, the City of Wilton Manors celebrates a diverse population of approximately 12,000 residents. To learn more about the live, work and play opportunities in Wilton Manors call (954) 390-2100 or visit www.wiltonmanors.com.
CONTACT: Laurie Menekou, (954) 732-0754 (or) [email protected]
SOURCE Wilton Manors
Share this article