Title
Resolution to Approve the Reauthorization of the Main Street Area Business Improvement Zone
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution approving the reauthorization of the Main Street Business Improvement Zone ("BIZ") for an additional ten-year term.
The Main Street BIZ is an organization of commercial property owners in the downtown district with a mission to improve Main Street's cleanliness, safety, and beauty in order to improve the downtown customer experience. The Main Street BIZ was first established in 2010 then expanded in 2014 to include additional property owners, with approval of the Ann Arbor City Council.
Established under Michigan's Business Improvement Zone Statute, PA 120 of 1961 Chapter 2, as amended, BIZ property owners fund projects and services through an assessment collected by the City of Ann Arbor Assessor and remitted to the BIZ for uses consistent with the BIZ Zone Plan.
The BIZ Zone Plan projects include snow removal, landscaping, graffiti removal, sidewalk sweeping, and alley cleaning. The Zone Plan assessment formula is based on 1) the linear feet of sidewalk abutting each assessable property, and 2) square feet of commercial area within the building.
The current BIZ term ends on June 30, 2024. In accordance with the statutory process, BIZ property owners held a special meeting and voted to reauthorize the BIZ for an additional 10-year term beginning on July 1, 2024 and ending on June 30, 2034. The amended Zone Plan is substantially similar to the previous Zone Plan with the addition of alley cleaning as an approved BIZ service within the zone area.
When a BIZ is reauthorized for an additional term and includes an assessment on property owners the BIZ Statute requires approval by the City Council.
Staff
Prepared by: Nicole Vargas, Assistant City Attorney
Reviewed by: Kevin McDonald, Chief Deputy City Attorney
Jacqueline Beaudry, City Clerk
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrato...
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