The following letter in opposition to the creation of a Business Improvement District in Downtown Rochester was signed by over 30 small businesses within the proposed Business Improvement District was read into the record February 20, 2024.

Esteemed Members of Rochester City Council:

We the undersigned business and property owners are sending this open letter to express our concern with the current push for a “Business Improvement District”(B.I.D.) in downtown Rochester.

We feel that the public – including many street-level businesses in whose name the B.I.D. is being proposed – have not been adequately informed or consulted about both the pros and cons of a B.I.D. structure, or about possible alternatives to an additional tax district that would result in increased costs for downtown businesses.

In addition, we were not adequately engaged about the draft district plan during the formal feedback process, which concluded in December after a narrow one-month window, and which did not afford a meaningful opportunity to voice questions and concerns in a neutral forum.

In summary, the proposal for a downtown B.I.D. that will soon come before Rochester City Council is the product of a flawed process and does not reflect the informed consent of the public. including the undersigned stakeholders whose businesses and properties are located within the footprint of the proposed B.I.D.

For these reasons, we urge Rochester City Council to reject the proposed district plan, and to commit instead to a transparent, evidence-based, and inclusive process for envisioning the future of downtown.

Animatus Studio

Aqua Vitae

Bernunzio Uptown Music

Big City Deli

Bitoa

CAPACITY

Cepeda Insurance

The Daily Refresher

Diverse Mosaic

Enlighten Counseling

Flour City Station

Frank’s Chop Shop

The Greater New York Revitalization

Greenwood Books

Joey’s

The Lab: Creative Resource Center

Legacy Wine Bar

Love Hate Tattoo

Lovetro Automotive

The Op Shop

Salinger’s

Skylark Lounge

Pastime Skate Shop

The Richmond

Rochester Contemporary Art Center

The Spirit Room

STEM

Stromboli Pizza

Temple Bar & Grill

Ugly Duck Coffee

The Union Stop

UUU Art Gallery

Veneto Pizza & Pasta

+ Owners representing numerous properties