The Hollister Downtown Association and downtown business owners
have come forward with a plan to explore the potential for starting
a property-based business improvement district, or a PBID,
according to a release from the association.
HOLLISTER
The Hollister Downtown Association and downtown business owners have come forward with a plan to explore the potential for starting a property-based business improvement district, or a PBID, according to a release from the association.
HDA staff member Sharlene Van Rooy said the PBID is a self-imposed assessment on property that is owned in a certain downtown district. The HDA is still defining potential borders of the district. In addition to defining what the improvement district would encompass, the steering committee is figuring out which services area owners might desire.
“(We’re) in the phase of determining what services people would like to see,” Van Rooy said.
The PBID potentially could pay for services including public safety, maintenance and economic development, according to the HDA.
“I can think of a lot of things that the funds could be used for,” Van Rooy said. “I’m not a property owner but clearly, I think, all you have to do is look at Morgan Hill. Its downtown has increased dramatically in appearance because of a PBID.”
She added that Morgan Hill adopted the PBID within the last year.
The idea comes from a consultant hired in 2007 to prepare a downtown strategy plan. After meeting with the consultant and holding workshops, interviews and events, such a plan was adopted. To secure funding for the involved projects, the downtown association decided the PBID was the best financial alternative to fund the plan.
The downtown association will be meeting with downtown business and property owners to determine service priorities and the desire to support the PBID.
Even though this self-assessed and self-imposed district would cost involved property owners more money, Van Rooy said, “It’s a little easier to swallow, if you understand it.”
“I can understand the property owners point of view, but if they come to some of the meetings and they get informed, they will be able to come to a better decision.”
For more information on the property-based business improvement district, call the Hollister Downtown Association at 636-8406.
The PBID Steering Committee includes the following people:
– John Barrett, McKinnon Lumber Company
– Marilyn and Richard Ferreira, property owners
– Phil Fortino, property owner
– Gordon Machado, Rustic Turtle Embroidery
– Jerry Muenzer, Muenzer’s Cyclery
– Rose Ortiz, The Rose Hair Salon
– Mark Paxton, property owner
– Steve Rosati, Penny Wise Drugs
– Liz Smith, K&S Properties
– Sheila and Bob Stevens, Knife and Fork Cafe
– Don Winn, property owner
– Victor Gomez, Hollister City Council member
– Bill Chow, Hollister Redevelopment Agency
