Special Improvement District Seeks Council Approval

University area property owners have joined together to support the creation of a Special Improvement District (SID). A petition of property owners representing at least 75% of the area within the proposed SID boundary has been submitted to City Council. The petition requests the approval of a Plan for Public Services & Improvements along with the ability to levy assessments to provide funding for the Plan. City Council will consider the first set of legislation at its March 9th meeting. A public hearing for property owner input has been scheduled for March 11th in Council Chambers at 5:00pm.

The University District Special Improvement District is the culmination of extensive property owner input and support dating back to 1996 when a SID was first recommended as a tool for revitalizing the area. The goal of the proposed SID is to create a welcoming commercial environment through environmental maintenance, ambassadors, and supplemental security. The implementation of these services have been instrumental in the success of other areas of Columbus such as the Short North and Downtown.

A SID is a self-help tool that allows property owners to organize and assess themselves the cost of providing area-wide services. SIDs are controlled by a nonprofit board of trustees made up  of property owners. More information about the University District SID can be found HERE.

Questions can be directed to Matthew Hansen, Executive Director of the University Community Business Association at info@universitydistrict.org or 614-294-5113.