Title
Research the possibility of establishing "Business Improvement Districts-BIDS" in Central Long Beach.
Discussion
The Anaheim and Pacific Avenue Business Corridors are major concentrated arteries in the City of Long Beach, that are a collection of mostly small businesses that represent a diverse mix of retail, automotive, commercial businesses and social service agencies.
These corridors located in the central portion of our city have experienced more than their share of challenges including; extreme residential density, crime and gang warfare, homelessness, blight and aging infrastructure.
Several cities in Southern California, including Long Beach, have had a great deal of success in turning around similar challenges faced by the businesses along impacted corridors by providing support in the creation of Business Improvement Districts (BIDS) that address the commercial development and safety needs of those operating along traffic arteries.
In Long Beach, the Downtown and Belmont Shore businesses, with the help of the city, established respective associations which have helped in the economic stabilization, development and growth of business sectors through a variety of support services, such as street and sidewalk cleaning, facade improvements, safety programs, business collaborations and increased marketing.
The suggested areas to be considered are as follows:
Anaheim Street Anaheim Street Long Beach Blvd.
Pacific Avenue Santa Fe Avenue Willow Street
Between Magnolia Avenue and Atlantic Avenue Between Atlantic Avenue and Cherry Avenue Between 10th Street and Pacific Coast Hwy. Between Pacific Coast Hwy and Willow Street Between Pacific Coast Hwy. and Wardlow Street Between Golden Ave. and Martin Luther King Ave.
Although suggested areas of review are included, we welcome the consideration of extensions into other border districts if desired by the respective Councilmember.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Request City Manager, appropriate departments, city partners and any other interested organizations meet, advise and assist the respective communities to evaluate the feasibility, successes and failures of other locations, logistical requirements and potential financial impacts of establishing a business improvement districts.