Rochester, NY (WROC) — A Business Improvement District (BID) is underway in the city of Rochester after the city council voted to advance the planning process last month.
News 8’s Ally Peters spoke with Galin Brooks, President and CEO of Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC) about BID and what drew him to Rochester.
What is a business improvement district?
Brooks said BID is a new term, one that many people are still unfamiliar with.
“Business improvement districts occur when the private sector comes together and draws resources to fund new services and programs in a particular area,” said Brooks. “There are at least 1,200 of him in the United States alone, thousands worldwide, and over 100 of him in the state of New York. The basic tenants of BID’s work are supporting, retaining, and attracting businesses.” and dynamic community.”
According to Brooks, the first BID formed in Toronto in the 1970s. She said urban centers there are experiencing “a certain amount of investment loss” as more people move to the suburbs.
“People out there got together and said, ‘What are they doing and we aren’t?’ How can we be more competitive with the suburbs? “They came up with this model to pool resources to fund joint programs like marketing and events and environmental services,” Brooks said.
What drew RDDC to Rochester?
“Rochester is at an amazing point in its growth and recovery. The city itself has great bones and history, and the innovation and community spirit and access to nature here is truly unmatched.” Brooks said.
“Downtown Rochester is going through an incredible moment right now. The past few years have been tough for every city, but there are a lot of bright spots here in downtown Rochester. Nearly 10,000 residents. moved here and made downtown Rochester their home.”
Brooks adds that there are also some key “catalyst projects” that will help further combat the investment cuts and vacancies that exist downtown.
“I’m sure you’ve heard about the ROC The Riverway project, which brings amazing new public spaces to the riverfront in the heart of Rochester,” said Brooks. “With her 90,000-square-foot expansion of the Strong Museum, Constellation Brands will also move into the heart of Rochester.”
She adds that many state, county and city leaders have come together to help begin development of BID’s proposed plan.
“Groups like Empire State Development, ROC 2025, support the potential vision of a downtown business improvement district, helping to revitalize and revitalize the core of the city,” Brooks said. said. “The idea actually grew out of research that led the city to better identify potential management entities for riverway spaces in the ROC. It was really conceived as a great opportunity to better connect and open up: more opportunities for everyone.”
Where does the BID process currently stand?
Brooks said creating a BID is a “long, layered process.” The RDDC has just begun its work after the Rochester City Council voted to approve the planning phase last month.
“There are various steps governed by New York State law, including several votes by the city council, to move the process forward and ultimately lead to adoption of the proposed plans for the Downtown Business Improvement District,” Brooks said. rice field.
There are many engagement opportunities planned in the coming months to learn more about the development of BID. On the 3rd of every month, we host office hours for community members.
On Thursday, September 15th, we will have office hours at Sibleyville Downtown from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Click here for more information on RDDCs and BIDs.
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