At the January 21, 1997 CAMA meeting, Ms. Fernandez explained in detail the successful impacts that BID’s have had on Cities and what a BID could do specifically for the CBID area:

• Provide supplementary services for sidewalk clean-up and security
• Improve property values
• Improve aesthetics
• Improve the area&$146;s image
• Beautify the district
• Help attract new businesses
• Advocacy
• Promotion

At the April 8, 1997 CAMA meeting Mr. Snow, Vice President of CAMA, agreed to lead in the development of the BIS plan. With the support of the officers of CAMA, committee members, and representatives from various City departments, the planning process was launched with the designation of a working Task Force.

(Appendix A)
It was immediately clear to the Task Force that two things must occur before reasonable planning could proceed.

First, a survey/questionnaire was distributed to ascertain the thoughts and opinions of those who own property and/or businesses in the area. Second, conduct a census of the proposed district to establish a current database of tenants and property owners. Both of these processes were commenced with the assistance of the Economic Development Department and the City Assessor’s Office.

The results of the survey were as follows: (700 Distributed, 12% Return)

The questionnaire was formulated to identify issues and concerns from those who live, work, and visit Central Avenue. The survey acts as a comprehensive framework that will be the lead factor in setting priorities for the CBID. Survey results indicated the following list of priority issues:

• Safety
• Lack of a distinguishing positive image
• Parking
• Dirty streets and sidewalks
• Vacant buildings
• Lack of a quality, consistent marketing program
• Poor lighting
• Lack of strong, unified organization and management

(Appendix B)
At the May 13, 1997 meeting, CAMA President Donald Metzner identified the need to have sub-committee chairs to lead specific components of the CBID planning process. Members of CAMA were encouraged to participate in the planning process by joining one or more of the sub-committees.

Sub-committee Chairperson
Planning - Austin Snow
Boundaries - Dick Kirkland
Budget and Assessment - Tina Yavis
Parking - Marcus Pryor
By-Laws - John Cunningham

Mr. Snow charged the committee chairs with their responsibilities and asked them to prepare for the June 10, 1997 public meeting which would disclose the process to the greater public and solicit more public input.

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