Council Approves Arts and Cultural District Amendments

The Town Council voted 6-0-1 Tuesday night to amend the Town Code regarding the Leesburg Arts and Cultural District (ACD). Councilman Marty Martinez was absent. 

The ACD officially launched during Leesburg’s First Friday, last March. Task Force member Pam Butler said that it was quite the success. However, as with any new thing, it became evident that minor changes were needed to enhance the effectiveness and inclusivity of the district. Three amendments were requested, which included: 

• Extending the submission period for existing businesses, which previously had until February 1, 2012 to apply for inclusion in the district. This would allow the opportunity to reach out to more businesses and bring them onboard. Among them is , who was represented by Gary Dickens Tuesday night. The deadline has been extended to Aug. 31, 2012.
• Eliminating the five-year business plan submission requirement for businesses who have been in continuous operation within the district for five or more years. Previously, any business or organization applying for inclusion in the district was required to attach a five-year business plan and pro forma to their application. 
• Allowing “graphic arts businesses” to apply for inclusion in the district. Butler said Tuesday night that other art districts already do this. 

"We believe that each of these changes will make it easier for art related businesses to operate," Butler said. 

Business Retention Coordinator Debi Parry also provided the Town Council with a financial update on Tuesday. It was estimated that the inclusion of graphic art design businessess would add a cost of $5,792 to the program for an estimated cost of $38,592 over a ten year period. 

While this analysis uses numbers from current Leesburg businesses providing a sound approach to quantify the cost of the district, there is ultimately a greater value to the town by attracting these types of businesses to the area. 

Councilwoman Kelly Burk said she applauded the idea and looks forward to seeing it grow. 

"I believe that making it easier to attract the arts to downtown Leesburg benefits all of us," she said. "With all the new town developments competing with  downtown Leesburg, introducing a strong arts component will help to diferenate the downtown as a destination for people near and far."

The Leesburg Arts & Cultural District, adopted by the Town Council on May 8, 2011, was proposed by a joint task force of Leesburg’s Economic Development and Public Art Commissions. The district became official on July 1, 2011.