(Mountain Xpress) After months of debate, on Oct. 9 Asheville City Council passed the controversial proposal for a downtown Business Improvement District 5-2. Council did change the proposed makeup of the BID’s governing board, and will set a tax rate for the district at a later date.
In June, Council delayed a decision on the BID — a nonprofit funded by a special tax district. Last week, the interim BID board released its revised plans, intended to address concerns raised by Council and the public. The revisions reduced the footprint of the BID, tweaked the services offered, and added appointed seats to the governing board.
While chambers weren’t as packed as they were back in June, the Oct. 9 meeting saw both sides of the BID debate still at odds. BID proponents, including many active on city boards and in downtown’s power structure, asserted that services in downtown are insufficient, and that the BID will improve the area while ensuring its careful management.
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