Downtown Provo is one step closer to getting a new look.

The Provo City Council voted in favor of a resolution Tuesday, declaring its intent to create the Provo Central Business Economic Development District despite spirited opposition from several property owners. Councilman Steve Turley abstained from voting.

The resolution represents efforts of both the council and the mayor to continue revitalizing downtown Provo.

"We want people to live, shop and play downtown," said Bill Bancroft, chairman of the Downtown Business Alliance executive committee.

The business alliance, formed in 2001, requires businesses in the downtown area to pay a percentage of their property values as an assessment based on how close they are to downtown area. The alliance uses these funds to beautify and promote the downtown area, hopefully luring businesses and consumers back.

John Beesley, a resident and property owner in Provo since 1972, encourages downtown improvements but opposes further assessments.

"I have a lot of love for downtown Provo," he said. "I'm a believer in downtown Provo. If this was a voluntary assessment I'd be on the other side of the fence."

Beesley and former city attorney Richard Bradford favor the creation of a voluntary business association, similar to a homeowners' association.

"People could opt in and opt out and decide on their own how to spend their money," Bradford said. "When too many people opt out, the organization would be forced to dissolve. This creates an incentive for them to take care of businesses."

Bradford also questioned the legality of the business district, citing a clause in the Utah Code that says business must receive "fair and equitable treatment according to the benefit received."

"There are forces at work downtown bigger than the business alliance," Bradford said. "Professional services are chosen by reputation - word of mouth advertising. You're not going to get these people more clients with the business alliance."

Businesses will receive written notification of new assessment fees this week, and have until Oct. 15 to file written protests. The council will vote on the official creation of the district Oct. 16.

Councilwoman Cynthia Clark is optimistic about the future of the district.

"It's a step in the right direction," she said. "I think this is such a great compromise we've all been working on, and it's shortsighted not move forward."



Copyright Brigham Young University 19 Sep 2007