The BID

The Concept for the Business Improvement District (BID) of Coral Gables was based on a partnership between property owners and merchants to work on goals of mutual interest with the City of Coral Gables and organizations such as the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce.

WHAT IS A BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID)?

A BID is an organizing and financing mechanism used by property owners and merchants to determine the future of their retail, commercial and industrial areas. The BID is based on state and local law, which permits property owners and merchants to band together to use the city’s tax collection powers to “assess” themselves. These funds are collected by the city and returned in their entirety to the BID and are used for purchasing supplemental services (e.g. advertising, promotions and special events) beyond those services provided by the city. In essence, the program is one of self-help through self-taxation. Excerpted from Starting and Managing Business Improvement District, New York City Department of Business Service, July 1996.

HISTORY

The BID of Coral Gables is a non profit 501(c)6 organization incorporated in July 1997. Originally it encompassed property within the designated geographic area — Douglas Road to LeJeune Road (east–west) and Aragon Avenue to Andalusia Avenue (north-south). In November 2007, the geographic area was expanded to include one more block north, making the northern boundary Giralda Avenue. This expansion was a result of the district’s re-election in the August of 2007.

CHARACTERISTICS

The BID allows for provisions of an equitable and reliable means of financial support, management and long term funding.

It includes a five-year “sunset” provision, whereby the district would require a vote after every five years but would report annually on goals and objectives accomplished. The City of Coral Gables agrees to maintain the baseline level of services.

VISION STATEMENT

• To restore vitality to Miracle Mile and the Downtown Business District and to act as a catalyst for the overall improvement of the area.

• To establish the downtown as a sought after shopping destination for tourists, Coral Gables and Dade County residents and to increase customer traffic and promote commerce.

• To improve the area to match the City’s other superior amenities, i.e., fine dining, historic preservation and quality of life. Furthermore, to develop a consensus and identify funding sources for physical improvements in the area and enhanced visual ambiance.

IMPLEMENTATION

• As an advocate of downtown issues and businesses, the BID empowers district members with a single-unified voice, speaking collectively to governmental and civic organizations as well as the general public in order to bring prosperity to the District.

• Through advertising, promotional events and other activities, the BID will position the District as a desirable place to shop, eat, stay, stroll, do business and be entertained.

PARTICIPATION

As district merchants and property owners, your involvement in the BID is crucial to its success. Your participation-not only in the events planned-but in all other aspects of the organization, is essential.

You may serve on a committee (Marketing, Streetscape Project, etc.) or on the board.

The BID Board meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 8:15 AM. at the Westin Colonade Hotel Meeting Rooms. Please call our office for exact meeting room names. The next scheduled board meetings are:

August 18
September 15
October 20
November – Annual Meeting TBD

GOVERNANCE

The BID’s Board of Directors is made up of

5 property owners
5 business owners
1 property/business owner
1 Coral Gables Chamber representative
1 City of Coral Gables representative
1 resident advisor

The following individuals currently serve on the 2009-2010 Board of Directors:

President – Brad Rosenblatt, Property Owner
President Elect/Vice-President – Burton Hersh, Burton Hersh PA
Secretary/Treasurer – Gus Fonte, Daisy Tarsi
Member at Large – Wayne Eldred, Tarpon Bend

Officers:
Jose Bolado, J. Bolado Clothiers
Bruce Hornik, Jae’s Jewelers
Abe Ng, Sushi Maki
Helena Ulloa, I. Designs Optical
Judy Weissel, Property Owner
Michael Wurster, The Westin Colonnade

Commission Liaison – Maria Anderson, Vice-Mayor, Coral Gables Commission
Chamber Liaison – Anabella Smith, Zyscovich Architects
Resident Advisor

The BID Board of Directors may be reached at board@shopcoralgables.com.

The BID office, responsible for day-to-day operations concerning marketing & advocacy, is staffed by the following individuals:

Mari Gallet, Executive Director
Taciana Amador, Assistant to the Director
Maria Ruiz, Receptionist/Office Assistant

ANNUAL REPORT

2008-2009 Annual Report