Storefronts along Atlantic Ave. Photo by Jesus Hernandez
After a balloting process that resulted in 56.6% in support of its formation, a new property business improvement district will formally be established in North Long Beach at the start of 2014.
Called the Uptown Property Business Improvement District (Uptown PBID), the new district will stretch along Atlantic Ave. between Artesia Blvd. and Market St. and along Artesia Blvd. between Atlantic and Orange avenues. It is the first new Business Improvement District to be formed in the city since the East Anaheim Street Parking and Business Improvement Area was established in 2010.
PBIDs are based upon assessments, or fees, that are determined by how large your business or property is. Annually collected fees are then transferred into a PBID budget that oversees neighborhood benefits that may not be covered or immediately offered by the City. For example, the Downtown PBID uses its funds to cover graffiti removal, sidewalk cleaning, signage updating and various other services.
According to paperwork filed with the city, the Uptown PBID will operate on an annual budget of $188,367, which will go towards special services such as “security, maintenance, marketing, and economic development” for the businesses that pay into the fund.
“This district represents the commitment of North Long Beach property owners to the revitalization of our business corridors and the entire community,” said Yanki Greenspan, principal at Westland Real Estate group and Uptown PBID property owner. “We had a spirit discussion amongst stakeholders, and tonight’s vote was a major leap in the right direction.”
The nonprofit which will oversee the budget and its allocations will be the yet-to-be-formed Uptown Property and Community Association (UPCA); its board is currently be developed.
Long Beach Uptown Property Business Improvement District
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