Downtown Downey property owners recently voted in favor of creating a Community Benefit District (CBD) in the city's downtown, a measure which then went to the city council, where it passed unanimously.
A CBD works by giving property owners money so they can fund and control property enhancements, beautification, security, development of public spaces, promotional activities, marketing, and special events more effectively. In effect, it gives control over a small area to local property owners. A governance body comprised of some of the owners administers these services.
The effort to bring the CBD to Downey has taken three and a half years. Before the measure went to the city council, a majority of property owners in the proposed district had to approve it. After a meeting in June, the city council directed ballots be sent to property owners in the proposed CBD, where 82 parcels were located. Property owners had until late in July to vote, at which time Mayor Sean Ashton had staff count the ballots. The CBD was approved by over 57%.
Once it was clear a majority of the owners in the proposed CBD favored the idea, the city council passed it unanimously, although one council member, who owns property downtown in the proposed district, abstained. Another, Alex Saab, said he thought the CBD will serve the downtown property owners well.
Officials dealing with issues such as this can use flyer printing to keep interested parties informed of developments.
