5 Questions about Stillwater’s Business Improvement District #1
What is a Business Improvement District?
An improvement district is a special district created to make improvements, typically to infrastructure, in a given area. It is also called a self-taxing district, because the property owners agree among themselves to pay into the district, in return for services which they also agree on.
What is the purpose of Stillwater’s Business Improvement District?
Our business improvement district was created for the purpose of improving and increasing the level of business activities within the boundaries of the district. The resolution creating the BID #1 was adopted by the Council on August 20, 2007. On November 19, 2007, the BID #1 Advisory Board was appointed and consists of eleven members; one from each BID area and two at-large members.
What are the boundaries of Stillwater’s Business Improvement District?
The district boundaries are roughly from 4th & Main, running west to Duncan, east to Lowry and south to 15th Street. Go to stillwater.org to see a map of the district. The district is divided into nine zones, with a representative from each zone who sits on the advisory board; two at large members make for an eleven person board.
What are some of the changes created by Stillwater’s Business Improvement District that is visible to the public?
An increase in business activity, a new restaurant and retail stores, beautification projects including maintained landscaping, decorative bicycle racks and street lamps, new street markers and trash receptacles. New light pole banners will also be installed in Fall of 2009.
Where can I go for more information about Stillwater’s Business Improvement District #1?
Go to stillwater.org or www.downtownstw.com for information concerning the district or contact Angela McLaughlin at 405-742-8359 amclaughlin@stillwater.org.
