LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A proposal to create a “business improvement district,” or BID, in the Las Vegas Arts District is dividing property and business owners in the neighborhood.
Developers say the petition would fund neighborhood cleanliness and safety services. Several mom-and-pop owners are opposing the plan, citing concerns about rising tax costs.
Owners raise concerns over costs
Karina Carancho runs Plur City on Imperial Avenue and Commerce Street.
“So, I feel like we as a community can improve the Arts District on our own without being outpriced,” Carancho said.
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“Small businesses like myself will eventually have to be charged higher rent and maybe outpriced of the neighborhood,” Carancho said.
If passed, the BID would charge property owners to fund services beyond what the city currently provides.
Proponents cite need for added services
Sam Cherry, with Cherry Developments, said the added services are needed.
“But all of a sudden we have a windy day in Las Vegas. We have many windy days. Well, if you drive around and see the vacant lots and the trash pushed up against the fences, that’s something that the bid can solve immediately,” Cherry said.
Skeptics said basic services and law enforcement response are already in place.
“But so right now we already have the marshals and the police that do that and they do it through, we have a WhatsApp chat and we have a problem-oriented policing squad with marshals that are very responsive,” said Becjy Nukker, an owner of a property on Main Street.
Developer says cost brings value
The BID board currently lists local developers. Cherry, who has projects under construction, said the added cost brings higher value.
“I don’t want to pay more for my properties in the arts district than I have to. So, for that fee, I feel like we’re getting substantially more in value as a property owner, as a resident, as a business owner, that’ll make the area better,” Cherry said.
Opposition points to other cities
An opposition group called “Don’t BID Us Out” said accelerated investment can trigger gentrification, pointing to other cities.
“And this isn’t coming from things that they feel like is just guessing. This is actually from stuff that go in basing it off of the Wynwood in Miami that has a BID. Downtown LA, how they have a BID,” said Tony Chavez, a community leader.
“I fear that we are going to end up with a Starbucks next door and just, you know, it not being the small family-owned local people in the Arts District. I feel like that’s what gives this Art District the charm, the beauty, said Carancho.
What happens next
The city of Las Vegas said the BID proposal is in the petitioning phase. If the required property owner petition threshold is reached, it will go to the Las Vegas City Council for a mandatory review and a public hearing.
The city said a BID can only be established by an ordinance adopted by the City Council. The city confirmed that has not happened.
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