Old Town Business Improvement District 'Idea Has Merit': Alexandria Mayor

ALEXANDRIA, VA — More public forums have been scheduled for renewed discussions on a proposed Business Improvement Service District in Old Town, an idea Alexandria's mayor showed support for.

Old Town Business, an organization representing business interests, announced in February it is leading a renewed effort to form a Business Improvement Service District. A Business Improvement Service District involves a special tax charged to property owners on top of the city's regular real estate tax. The special tax would go toward promoting and improving the business landscape within the district boundaries.

Old Town Business envisions transitioning from a volunteer-run advocate for businesses to a Business Improvement Service District. The Business Improvement Service District would organize and manage services, activities and events as well as provide amenities beyond what the city provides.

In neighboring Arlington County, there are Business Improvement Districts in National Landing, Ballston and Rosslyn.

An effort to get a Business Improvement District in Alexandria's busiest commercial corridor was last underway in 2017. The proposal had drawn mixed opinions, leading some City Council members to seek middle ground, as reported by the Washington Post. But in September 2017, then-City Manager Mark Jinks recommended ending consideration of the Busienss Improvement District. While Jinks said he supported the concept, he said it wasn't the right time without leadership and support from the business community.

This time around, Old Town Business is asking for support from its members and community members for a Business Improvement Service District. A petition has been started by the organization.

The proposed boundaries of the Old Town district include King Street from the waterfront and King Street Metro, waterfront areas east of Union Street between Queen and Wolfe Streets, the west side of Union Street between Queen Street and Duke Street, Diagonal Street between King Street and Duke Street, and streets intersecting with King Street between Prince Street and Cameron Street.

In a March newsletter, Mayor Justin Wilson noted the new proposal has different boundaries and "more modest budget" than the previous effort. He said priorities remain similar.

"As with the last effort to create a BID, I feel as though the idea has merit, and if sufficient support could be generated within the business community, the City should facilitate its creation," Wilson shared in the newsletter. "With less commercial activity and new competition arriving every day, inaction is a recipe for disaster for the businesses and the taxpayers of our City."

The proposal comes after a new concept and guidelines for Business Improvement Service Districts were approved by the city last year, ALX Now reported.

The next public forums on the proposal will be held virtually on Thursday, March 2 at 6:30 p.m. and in person on Friday, March 3 at 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at ALX Community Waterfront, 201 N Union Street, Alexandria, VA. Registration is requested.