Center City Scenes: Improvement takes community spirit

With one word, the state of Missouri differentiates itself.

In International Downtown Association jargon, they are called "business improvement districts."

In Missouri, the term is community improvement district. The variance is subtle but telling.

The objective is the same: Make the area cleaner, safer and friendlier; identify services that are needed and find the most equitable way to fund them; and accelerate the rate of revitalization.

Business improvement districts are used in cities across the country, large and small, as a foundational economic development tool.

Commercial community

In Springfield, the recent two-year process of implementing a community improvement district on Commercial Street illustrates the wisdom in using a more inclusive term.

There are 99 owner groups who own the 140 parcels outlined in the district. Franchises such as Price Cutter, Brown Derby and Sonic share a stake in the outcome with proprietors such as Fusion Stained Glass, Antique Cowboy and Lindberg's. Rathbone Hardware provides home improvement supplies, while Victory Mission retools lives through job training. Midwest Sheet Metal manufactures specialty products, and Professional Massage Training Center represents the service economy. Residents include those living in impressively renovated lofts and those seeking a warm bed at The Kitchen.

What is the common denominator for the majority of property owners who signed the CID petition? It's the recognition that the district is off to a good start, but there is much more that needs to be done. Customers must be made aware of the positive changes and new businesses in the district. Parents must be invited to community events to demonstrate the area is safe for the entire family. Businesses must be recruited to build a critical mass of activity to draw more patrons and office workers. Parking must be readily available and attractive. Sidewalks must be clean and buildings free of graffiti. Transportation linkages must be stronger with downtown and City Hall. Police must have a consistent presence in the area. Residents must be drawn to the historic loft renovations and the convenience of the urban lifestyle.

These are goals that cannot be accomplished by any single property owner or business. By working together, resources can be invested and greater results achieved.

What's next

The next steps in the process are to establish the seven-member CID Board of Directors - probably finalized by August - who will listen to public comment, and then decide if and when to take a sales tax proposal to the registered voters who live in the district. The earliest a sales tax could be implemented would likely be in April 2010.

No one is eager to pay additional taxes in these challenging economic times. However, the opportunity cost is greater than the extra 50 cents on a $100 purchase. The current pioneers who have laid the foundation for the revitalization of the area are ready to see more cars on the street, pedestrians on the sidewalks and vacant storefronts filled. They should be commended for stepping forward to voluntarily invest in their collective futures.

Ultimately, most customers have a broader perception of "value" beyond just the quoted price. They examine the quality of the work, the convenience with which it is provided and the relationships with the people involved.

Being a part of a large and diverse community means there unavoidably will be some who have concerns about the potential impacts. The CID board and Urban Districts Alliance staff will listen to the specific questions, look for ways the CID can provide value (joint marketing, infrastructure improvements, streetscape enhancements, police presence, etc.) and address the concerns as much as possible.

It's easy in tough times to say "no" to higher sales taxes and "no" to additional services.

Councilman John Rush called those who support the CID "courageous." I am proud to work with them and all those who say "yes" to a better quality of life for Commercial Street, center city and the city of Springfield.[[In-content Ad]]Rusty Worley is executive director of Urban Districts Alliance.