Volume 1 • Issue 7
November 5, 2014
New Idea, Old Problem: Parking on Wilton Drive
Commission moves forward on Wilton Drive Business Improvement District By Michael d’Oliveira With little money left for parking improvements along Wilton Drive, commissioners have approved another source of funding: property owners along the street. On Oct. 28, commissioners unanimously voted to establish the Wilton Drive Business Improvement District [BID]. A second and final vote will most likely occur at the Nov. 11 meeting. Under the BID, property owners along Wilton Drive would pay an increased millage rate under a special assessment. The exact details have not been finalized yet. “One of the things we have to determine is how the assessment is created,” said Randy Welker, economic development coordinator.
That additional money, perhaps as much as $100,000 per year, could be used for capital improvements, such as improved public parking, marketing to attract tourists and pedestrian improvements. Only retail and commercial properties would be assessed. City parks and facilities, including city hall, and condo/apartment units would be exempt. A BID was suggested for Andrews Avenue but officials say property owners there are not as enthusiastic about the idea as those on Wilton Drive. Although parking is the biggest problem specific to businesses on Wilton Drive, it’s usually only a problem at night. Dominated by bars and restaurants, which create the greatest demand for parking at
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Frenzy and Fun Froth at Freak Show Festival Haunting Halloween Heralds in an Evening of Horror and Happiness Photos by J. R. Davis
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