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Board approves Japantown Community Benefit District after public hearing; ballots show majority support
Summary
After a public hearing with wide community support, the Board of Supervisors ordered formation of the Japantown Community Benefit District. Election returns showed 55.22% of weighted ballots in favor and no majority protest; the resolution was adopted unanimously.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Tuesday closed a public hearing and adopted a resolution forming the Japantown Community Benefit District (CBD) after ballots returned a majority in favor.
The district, proposed to cover roughly seven city blocks and approximately 67 parcels, will levy assessments for 10 years beginning with the 2017-18 fiscal year to fund cleaning, security, marketing and cultural programming in the Japantown commercial area. The board convened as a committee of the whole, heard testimony from business owners, property owners and community groups, and then allowed the Department of Elections to tabulate returned weighted ballots.
Why it matters: Japantown is one of three remaining Japantowns in the United States; community leaders argued a CBD will help maintain cultural institutions and promote economic vitality as San Francisco changes.
Speakers at the hearing included Chris Korgus of the Mayor's Office of Economic and Workforce Development, Sandy Mori (a Japantown volunteer), Bo Simon of the Japantown Task Force steering committee, hotel and business representatives and long-time residents. "It's a wonderful opportunity for Japantown to enhance security, marketing, economic development, and maintain its cultural vibrance," said Sandy Mori.
The Department of Elections reported 55.22% of weighted returned ballots were in favor and 44.78% opposed; the clerk said that result indicated there was no majority protest. The board then adopted the formation resolution by roll call; the resolution passed unanimously.
Next steps: With no majority protest and the board's adoption, the Japantown Community Benefit District will proceed to levy assessments and implement the management district plan described in the formation materials. Officials said district staff and the steering committee will work with city departments to stand up services described in the management plan.
