Title
Resolution to Initiate the Creation of a Business Improvement Zone for South Main Street Between Huron and William
Body
Whereas, South Main Street in Ann Arbor serves as the commercial, dining, and entertainment center of downtown;
Whereas, The economic health of the community depends on maintaining the commercial, dining and entertainment viability of downtown’s districts;
Whereas, That viability is threatened by the current economic conditions in the State of Michigan;
Whereas, South Main Street property owners have researched economic and management tools that could sustain and enhance South Main Street’s commercial competiveness;
Whereas, That research and investigation have confirmed that Business Improvement Zones are an effective tool for downtown revitalization and economic development;
Whereas, Property owners sought and received grant support from the Ann Arbor DDA for further investigation of the applicability of the Business Improvement Zone methodology to South Main Street’s assets and needs;
Whereas, Business Improvement Zones have been used for more than 30 years across North America, in both strong and weak economies, and have improved the environment for shoppers, visitors, employees and residents, as well as helped to increase property values, tenant recruitment and retention, and overall economic growth of the districts in which such zones are established;
Whereas, The City Clerk has received a petition with signatures that represent more than 50% of the property owners on South Main Street bordered by William and Huron Streets, in accordance with P.A. 120 of 1961, as amended (Principal Shopping Districts and Business Improvement Districts Act or “Act”), who have come together to enhance and sustain the district’s competitiveness and vibrancy by proposing the creation of a Business Improvement Zone for this area; and
Whereas, The petition complies with the requirements of the Act to initiate the process to create a Business Imp...
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