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Downtown BID appears to be dead

By JIM LEUTE ( Contact ) Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 1:39 p.m.

Opponents have apparently stopped a proposed Business Improvement District for downtown Janesville just days before the city council was expected to approve it.

The council was to vote Monday on the proposal that would tax downtown property owners to support a first-year budget of $199,500 for programs and services proponents say would improve the area. But under state law, a BID can be derailed if property owners representing 40 percent or more of the district’s assessed value sign a petition in opposition.

Patrick McDonald of the McDonald & Gustafson law firm on South Main Street said Wednesday that he intended to file a petition signed by owners of property assessed at about 45 percent of the district’s assessed value.

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(7)

SarahB
Sep 18, 2008 at 8:05 a.m.
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This is the right move.

Devilsadvocate
Sep 18, 2008 at 1:05 a.m.
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Good work Pat and group. The government is here to help, just pay them more money and all will be well. Yeah right............

lakennedy
Sep 17, 2008 at 8:15 p.m.
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I think it's pretty obvious that small business owners, especially downtown, have had a hell of a year. I doubt what they're looking for is being forced to pay higher taxes for something they don't see as a priority right now. It has nothing to do with their resisting change, it has to do with their resisting higher taxes for something they don't want or need. I applaud those who stood up for themselves and opposed BID. Good job.

danieljluebke
Sep 17, 2008 at 7:18 p.m.
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This is extremely unfortunate! Why is it that this town must so vehemently resist change!?!

janesvillean
Sep 17, 2008 at 6:48 p.m.
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It's unfortunate that so many downtown property owners could not see the benefits of a BID. Cheap and obstinate has always sort of defined Janesville to me and I hate to see my stereotype confirmed.

jstwndrn
Sep 17, 2008 at 6:41 p.m.
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Thank-you, Pat, and all who opposed this proposal!

tguy
Sep 17, 2008 at 3:44 p.m.
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Way to go Pat.

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