There is a proposal in New Bedford to create a Downtown New Bedford Business Improvement District (BID) in the heart of downtown with 52 property owners and 83 parcels.
President of New City America, Marco Li Mandri, is a proponent of the plan and has been involved in revitalization efforts of business districts since 1988, having established 94 similar districts across the country.
The Downtown New Bedford BID would fund enhanced services and additional maintenance to improve the appearance and attractiveness of the downtown area. Poster printing is often used throughout a community to inform both residents and businesses of such important plans.
Funds for the BID would be raised through a special assessment based on parcel size and square footage of the building. State and local grants, revenue from parking meters, and other sources like educational institutions and non-profit organizations can also contribute to the BID.
It is expected that the proposed assessments for the first year would generate $194,429, with the city contributing an additional $45,000. These funds would be used for cleaning and beautification of the sidewalks, management advocacy, district marketing and promotion, and contingencies.
The Downtown New Bedford Improvement Association, a non-profit organization, would be created to oversee the district and would be open to both members and non-members of the BID.
