BID extension moving forward

The St. Armands Circle Business Improvement District Board of Directors officially agreed to move forward with a 10-year extension of its Circle taxing district during its Tuesday, Aug. 14 meeting.

The 10-year extension, Circle officials believe, will help fund future Circle enhancements, including a coveted parking garage.

Leading BID organizer and Chairman Marty Rappaport received support for the extension after he told board directors the suggested changes for BID requirements moving forward received commission approval.

During the meeting, members emphasized the BID’s top priority would continue to be capital improvement projects if the taxing district is extended.

A $233,427 fiscal year budget that begins this fall includes an enhanced maintenance budget line item of $40,000. The Circle is preparing to spend more in the upcoming year to keep landscaping in top shape because the city doesn’t have the money to maintain the Circle.

The budget also includes $20,000 for legal expenses, with much of that money expected to go toward funding a BID extension. At least 20% of the Circle’s landowners must now sign a petition for a referendum effort that’s expected to cost at least $15,000.

Rappaport also made it known that a Capital Improvement Ad Hoc Committee, formed of Circle residents, merchants and landowners, has formulated a wish list for the Circle that includes asking the city:

• To solve flooding conditions on Circle roads, especially near Plymouth Harbor.

• To perform a feasibility study to solve the Circle’s parking shortage and eliminate overflow parking in Circle residential areas.

• To bury power lines.

• To provide Circle signage on the mainland and neighboring keys.

• To modify Circle curbs.

The BID also has plans to relocate its current valet service and provide free valet. The committee also recognizes the need for public bathrooms on the Circle.

Realizing that the BID has monies to help fund these projects, Rappaport and St. Armands Circle Association President Diana Corrigan made it known Tuesday that the BID is willing to negotiate and work with city staff to bring Circle projects to fruition, especially when it comes to building a parking garage.

“People were parking on our Circle medians this past season, and the ones who can’t find a parking space become angry and tell merchants they won’t shop at the Circle any longer,” Corrigan said.

Noting that the city of Sarasota will begin competing with customers when Benderson Development’s University Town Center mall opens, Rappaport said a parking garage is crucial for the Circle.

“Before we empower our dollars for such projects though, we would insist services like a valet would be used only if cars can be parked in a parking structure to keep cars off residential streets,” Rappaport said.