ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) – A group of downtown stakeholders along Washington Ave. and N. Tucker Blvd. are proposing a Community Improvement District that would fund projects in Downtown North through a special tax assessment.
The proposal, backed by several property owners in the area, would generate approximately $270,000 annually.
Nick Hartzler, a consultant working with the group on the petition, said the intent behind the taxing district would be to fund public safety and pedestrian improvements, as well as street beautification projects and take action against nuisance properties.
“These property owners are taking an active approach to use the tools that are available to them,” Hartzler said.
The proposed district would stack on top of an existing Downtown CID funded by sales taxes in the area. Hartzler said the Downtown North CID would fund additional, not overlapping projects.
He said the initiatives funded through the new district could potentially help to cultivate business growth west of the Convention Center and north of Washington.
“The group believes that one of the best approaches to public safety is more foot traffic, more eyes on the street,” Hartzler said.
The petition passed a Board of Aldermen committee hearing this week and will eventually require the approval of the full board.
Its supporters include the owners of T-Rex, as well as the owner of the Post Building.
T-Rex sent First Alert 4 the following statement:
“We are excited that there are new partners who can help continue the momentum we’ve seen in Downtown St. Louis. Our region thrives when we unite in support of our business community. Over a decade ago, T-REX decided to invest in Downtown North. We are encouraged that others see the value in this effort.”
Carlos Zamora, whose Cartel design company operates out of the Post Building, has been part of an effort to create a unique sense of identity in Downtown North.
Zamora described the area as architecturally unique, with an emerging culture for startups and geospatial technology firms. He said the proximity to the nearly complete NGA site would position the area well for growth, especially with improvements to the area.
“Downtown St. Louis is one of the most beautiful and vibrant architectural gems in the country. This city deserves to have that energy back,” Zamora said.
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