On Monday night the Council will assess what the voting results are for the Avenew BID. There seems to be massive confusion on the part of some ill-informed merchants as to what the Council's responsibilities are. They count the votes and, if the BID passes, they collect the money. If the recalcitrant few cannot win the election among their peers--they lose. Welcome to democracy.
Here is the Daily Journal's preview
Efforts to block the creation of a Burlingame Avenue business improvement district may have fallen short after city staff revealed there was only 31.3 percent protest petitions.
The petitions were allowed to be turned in until the end of the Burlingame City Council public hearing on the matter held earlier this month. However, numerous petitions were turned in which didn’t give staff enough time to validate and fairly count the votes. A total of 216 petitions were filed, not all of which were valid. If a majority of businesses oppose the proposal, it cannot move forward. Since this is not the case, on Monday the City Council will consider allowing the proposal.
Renew the Avenew!
Opposition to a proposed business improvement district for Burlingame Avenue area merchants was not enough to stop final approval by the City Council last night.
Over 200 businesses signed petitions against the creation of the group that sought a tiered assessment to generate $91,000 a year to fund promotion efforts for the downtown shopping district. Those votes fell short of the necessary amount needed to stop the creation of a business improvement district, known as a BID. Annual fees would be between $100 and $625 depending on business size, location and square footage. Before the unanimous council decision, officials suggested those opposing the BID run for the board Wednesday morning to be sure their concerns are met.
The rest of the Daily Journal article is here http://www.smdailyjournal.com/article_preview.php?id=141673&title=Business%20district%20approved
Posted by: Joe | September 21, 2010 at 02:25 PM
Joe, Democracy has a "Yes" or "No" votes. 2010 BID was not democratic. City councils wanted it and they formed it in a way that all the voices are not heard! The notices were not done correctly and fairly and they know it. In my opinion we won! Why?! Precisely what you said, Democracy. At least we could voice our opposition. I do not know how city councils can sleep at night knowing that they are forcing hardworking merchants to pay for something that they did not want or can't afford. The recalitrants! are ready for 2011. We have whole year to work on it! I hope BID does a great job so that we don't have to oppose it.
Thank you.
Posted by: Scheherezade Sharabianlou | September 25, 2010 at 05:53 PM
I believe that the business's that decided not to go along with this BID should just sit back, and not pay the "toll."
When the City of Burlingame Elders "come after them," I am sure you folks will win the lawsuit.
Maybe this would be a good time to organize the MAJOR contributers to the lifestyle that is Burlingame.
RECALL THE CITY OF BURLINGAME ELDERS!
Posted by: holyroller | September 25, 2010 at 06:35 PM
Recall Holyroller and Renew the Avenew!!!
Posted by: Anne | September 25, 2010 at 08:08 PM
Anne, just you know the job of a small business is to create jobs, service you, and bring revenue to this city via sales tax. And in the process prosper. It is not the job of the merchants to renew the Avenuw! It is the city's job. This is why we pay taxes. Let's renew the Avenew with your money. How about that? Can you contribute to the merchants who can't pay? Please?!
Posted by: Scheherezade Sharabianlou | September 26, 2010 at 12:14 PM
"Annual fees would be between $100 and $625 depending on business size, location and square footage."
If a $100 annual fee would bring more foot traffic/shoppers/revenue, I would think small business owners would recognize the value. Many of my friends/small business owners DO agree.
And I DO contribute, nearly every day-by shopping at our local small businesses.
Posted by: Anne | September 26, 2010 at 01:14 PM
Dear Anne,
The amount of work and money that needs to be put into Burlingame Ave is so large that $100-625.00 will not have any impact what so ever.
The Merchants would like a commitment from The City do make long over due improvements that will cost Millions!
In this economy I am sure that the Burlingame/Howard Ave. Business district(except for the Safeway Area) will not realize fundamental, and nessesary change for at least 3-4 years.
I attended the Pet Parade with my grandchildren this week end at Broadway.
The street is paved, trees are growing, landscape is thriving, and business is growing.
New stores, remodling, and promotion of the neighborhood by the Broadway Grill.
Burlingame Ave is hodge-podge of buildings, signage, pot holes, concrete, trees being removed, and many empty store fronts.
There are very fancy stores on that street.
Unless some infrastructure improvements are made, I would see those business' leave.
Burlingame Ave as a business district is an embearasment to the term business district.
Posted by: holyroller | September 26, 2010 at 04:00 PM
Anne, Who are these "many business owners who are your friends"? How many is your "how many"? 5?! Are you being truthful? Give me the names of these businesses and I like to talk to them and learn the secret! Oppositions totaled 270! Not counting the ones that the notices were not sent properly. If you are connected to "Burlingame Voice" then you must live in Burlingame. You shop in Burlingame because it is close to you, they service you well and the price is right. I do not think you would continue to contribute if the goods and services you receive were not satisfactory. You shop here because you want to not because you have to. You can't compare your purchases with forcing monitory demand on merchants. You are comparing 2 different things. Why don't you write a check for $650 and give it to a merchant of your choice. I'll be happy if you give it to one of the 5 merchants who is your friend for nothing in return. Then see how you feel. And you are not even forced. You sound like one of the councils! If so that explains!
You need millions to update the downtown. (California Street included) Unless the councils are hiding something from the public then the annual BID's budget of $91,000 after they pay for the Holiday decorations and city's fees leaves nothing for improvement!
Posted by: Scheherezade Sharabianlou | September 26, 2010 at 07:45 PM
And some more perspective:
http://burlingame.patch.com/articles/the-mean-streets-of-downtown-burlingame#comments
Posted by: Anne | September 26, 2010 at 07:57 PM
That is right Scheherezade.
Last year, Elder Jerry Deal, forced the City of Burlingame Park Department- with a nod from Park/Rec Dept Jim Skeels, to spend 5 days, 4 employees, 8 hours a day to decorate a tree at City Hall.
Lets see..
200 hours at @$30.00 per hour
The cost of Lights and Ornaments.
What do you think- $3-4,000.00.
Police overtime.
Public Works setting up safety barricades.
City of Burlingame Attorney pondering the Cost/Benefit equation.
200 hours not spent doing whatever Jim Skeels and the Park/Rec Dept do..
Merry Christmas, one and all.
Posted by: holyroller | September 27, 2010 at 07:22 PM