Supporters of an idea that is more than six years in the making will need to wait additional time if they are to see it come to fruition. By obtaining more than the one-third figure that they needed, proprietors within the 9th Street Italian Market and just outside the renowned space defeated a proposal that would have brought a business improvement district (BID) to their surroundings.
“We are in the process of submitting a new plan based on the vote and the objections,” 9th Street Business Association business manager Michele Gambino said of the initiative that she, many prominent establishments, and the Bella Vista Neighbors Association are backing in an effort to provide shared services for all of the entities. “There is significant substance to what this could offer, so hearing from everyone is going to be huge in going forward.”
Gambino noted that 1st District Councilman Mark Squilla will soon oversee a meeting with those who opposed the concept, which the City’s Commerce Department gave a grant to in 2013 and which nine community meetings explained. An initial estimation of objection put the figure at 17 percent, but by the time owners had submitted their say on Oct. 22, the total hit 33.86 percent.
Proponents had hoped to implement the district so as to offer additional lighting, cameras, and street cleaning amenities and to hire a corridor manager. Gambino said opponents focused on fees as a source of trepidation and added that though such a concern certainly has merit, “assessments were not crazy.”
Research on other stalled improvement districts revealed that many foes find their implementation as a slight and a way to tax people for what the City should already be providing. Gambino countered that by saying certain services are not available in abundance and that the introduction of the district would make a highly regarded stretch even more attractive.
“We always want to keep the Market strong, and this BID would do just that,” she said. “I know there was some talk about the possibility of not actually putting into action what the proposal promised, but, essentially, the plan is your law, and you can’t waver from it.”
East Passyunk Avenue-situated establishments have received assistance from a business improvement district since 2002, with the last decade, during which the thoroughfare’s popularity has grown, being particularly active. With the Italian Market having been in existence for more than a century, one can understand the call to tend to its upkeep. For now, though, existing services will have to suffice.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity for us to submit another plan and to see if it could attract a few more ‘yes’ reactions,” Gambino said. “We’ve been advocating hardcore for three years for this, so there is definite consideration for what people have said and might say because we’re trying to keep things thriving for a landmark site and adjacent blocks.” SPR
– By Joseph Myers
Photo by Tina Garceau
