Revitalizing Rochester: BID efforts move forward with community input | 13WHAM

Revitalizing Rochester: BID efforts move forward with community input | WHAM (13wham.com)

*REPRODUCED FROM 13WHAM

Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — Max Gordon, the owner of several local businesses, including Bar Bantam, Hideaway and The Penthouse, believes Rochester is ready for a comeback.

"We feel very confident that they hey-day of Rochester 40 to 50 years ago could easily be brought back," he said. "I think a lot of Rochesterians forget what that was like."

Gordon's been supporting the recent effort to create a business improvement district (BID) in the city's downtown area.

"Business improvement districts are nonprofits that are formed when property owners come together and pool resources to fund new programs and services in a specific (area)," explained Galin Brooks, president and CEO of the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC).

The RDDC has been the driving force behind this idea, and Brooks said BIDs have the potential to push the city forward.

"People want more things to do and see in their downtown. They want more of that hum in their downtown core — that vibrancy and energy," Brooks said. "A common set of programs tend to be marketing and events activation. (It's) starting community-oriented events that get people out and connected. But it's also to celebrate and really shine a light on all the great things that are offered in a given area."

BIDs are funded by a special assessment billed to property owners within the district. Those rates are determined by stakeholders.

Under the current proposal, residential owners of buildings with less than four units are exempt and will not be charged an assessment.

Gordon believes the pool of funding can be one tool in a layered approach to improving the city.

"We're right on the cusp. We've done so many incredible things over the decades, between Constellation Brands moving downtown, to offices coming back and residents coming back. We just need a little bit of a push to get us to that next level," he said. "As a small business, we don't always have that power individually. But you're got these great pillars that are here for the long-term. It's just the few missing pieces to bring all of these different areas together."

People against the BID proposal in Rochester say the programs prioritize commercial interests and give more of a voice to those who own more property.

Last month, city leaders announced a draft plan for a downtown Rochester BID.