To the Editor:

This letter is written to support the creation of a downtown Special Improvement District (SID).  As a career economic developer, a former town level deputy mayor, and a longtime “Tiger Tourist,” it is worth sharing some observations.       

It is no accident that almost every downtown on the East Coast has a SID or a BID (Business Improvement District). SIDs can deliver whatever a town wants such as special events, concerts, downtown marketing, small business counseling, and town level problem-solving/advocacy. The alternative model of managing a downtown through a combination of the Chamber, Merchants Association, and the town will be less effective than a “one-stop” SID.

Questions about reasonable SID fees are valid and deserve consensus. But this legitimate concern should include the larger tax benefit of how a vibrant downtown strengthens residential sales values, which supports the total tax base and impacts the town tax rate. Live, work, play, and stay are all connected.

If there was ever a time for centralized downtown management, it is now and for the future. Even if COVID-19 disappears tomorrow, there will be other waves across the bow. Store owners are critically important small businesses that need fully supportive communities to prosper. There are many downtowns where stakeholders work within silent silos. No downtown wants to see retail flight patterns. A balanced and successful retail base is dependent upon unity with building owners, storeowners, residents, and the town working together to retain and recruit businesses.

Some final thoughts to share are that the five-year renewal process should contain reasonable performance goals that are sequenced throughout the five years so there is no fifth year “sudden death.” Renewal voters should be a broad-based constituency or by town Council, but not by only one downtown constituency as some SIDs require. The SID board should represent the entire town and avoid being a ceremonial board because managing a downtown is rolled sleeves and elbow grease.

Terry Masterson
Amherst, Mass.

Note: While not a Princeton resident, Masterson is a frequent visitor who “looks forward to hunting for basketball games in the ‘Jadwin Jungle.’”