Special Improvement District

A Special Improvement District (SID) is a self-help tool, created by the Ohio legislature, allowing property owners within a self defined area to organize and asses the cost of providing desired services for their area. When owners representing 60% of the front footage along public streets within the proposed district have petitioned to create a SID to provide services, then all owners within the district are required to contribute their proportionate share of the cost.

The SID provides a mechanism for property owners to commit resources for a collective effort to provide services beyond those provided by the municipality. The proposed plan allows owners to contract for management and services similar to those found in shopping centers and office parks.

The Buckeye Road SID will fund a four point service program to grow property owners' investments:

Beautification and Maintenance Program
Coordinate scheduled maintenance program
Seasonal plantings, watering and care
Power washing and sweeping of sidewalks
Maintenance of public spaces
Debris removal

Marketing and Promotion Program
Promotion of district to shoppers and retailers
Develop print and electronic media campaign
Preparation of promo packages for businesses
Increased number of promotional activities

Economic Development Program
Creation of computerized database w/ info on: commercial space - occupied or vacant; parking conditions
Provide district recruitment materials
Lead generation and contact making
Marketing and packaging of available space
Program to retain & expand area businesses

Safety and Security Program
Buckeye Road ambassador program
Digital security cameras
Seasonal security (Foot Patrol)
Merchant loss prevention workshops
Safety and security seminars

The Buckeye Road SID will be initially funded for five years, after which the SID must ask property owners for reauthorization. This periodic reauthorization will ensure a high degree of accountability and encourage the SID to measure its performance and quantify results. Once it is formed the SID will provide professional management in order to deliver the services in the district. The managed services will be overseen by a volunteer board of directors of the SID consisting of property owners and members selected by the Mayor and City Council.