Council reviews Special Improvement District feasibility report, schedules ordinance process

Consultant Stuart Copperweiss told the Village Council the steering committee recommends creating a Special Improvement District, to be operated by a district management corporation (proposed name: Ridgewood Village Alliance), funded by an assessment on commercial and select residential properties in the district.

The report recommends a district that would include about 355 properties, with a two‑tier boundary (a central business district tier and outlying properties). The district management corporation would set its work plan and budget; assessments would be finalized after the DMC adopts a budget and the governing body attaches a Schedule A listing properties in the ordinance.

Stuart Capwise (consultant) summarized the recommended mission: “to energize, enhance the business environment of the village through marketing, branding, economic development, advocacy, and select capital improvements.” He advised the council that the DMC would be a nonprofit that hires an executive director to implement priorities set by a volunteer board of trustees.

Several steering‑committee members explained why they support a SID. Bill Gilsenin, a local realtor, said a centralized marketing and tenant‑recruitment effort could reduce vacancies and help the downtown respond to changing retail patterns. Nina Milanos, a property owner, said she “hopes it goes through” and expects it to stimulate downtown activity. Stacy Tsapitsaris, a landlord and committee member, said the steering process brought landlords together and would professionalize the volunteer work currently done by the chamber and other groups. Gary Colasier, a long‑time business owner, emphasized that the legislative structure allows donations and planned giving to support downtown work.

Council members asked detailed process questions; Stuart and the steering committee clarified the steps: 1) council acceptance of the feasibility report, 2) introduction of an ordinance to establish the improvement district and name the DMC, and 3) the DMC’s creation of an annual budget to be introduced and approved by the governing body. The timeline discussed at the meeting was: July 2 work session discussion, July 9 ordinance introduction, and a hearing on Aug. 13. Pam Perrin (steering‑committee lead) said she aims to bring a draft ordinance forward for council review in August and that bylaws and the DMC board composition will be developed by the organization after incorporation.

Council reached a consensus to add the resolution accepting the report to the July 9 meeting for formal action and to proceed with the ordinance schedule. No ordinance vote occurred at the workshop. The committee’s recommended assessment model and draft budget remain advisory until the DMC forms, adopts a budget and a final assessment schedule (Schedule A) is attached to the ordinance.