A plan to establish a Business Improvement District in Las Vegas’ Arts District has drawn opposition from some property owners, business owners, and residents who fear rising costs, gentrification, and displacement. The proposed BID would cover an area from East Bonneville Avenue to West Wyoming Avenue, including parcels along Las Vegas Boulevard and the railroad tracks, and would generate an estimated $1.9 million in its first year through assessments on property values.
Becky Miller, owner of Main Street Las Vegas LLC, said she helped develop the plan but was no longer invited to meetings after objecting to the proposal’s expanded scope. She criticized the changing boundaries and warned the initiative threatens the 'mom and pop arts scene' that residents have worked hard to create. Miller also expressed concern about governance, noting the privately led board would have only 10 members deciding how to allocate nearly $2 million in funds.
Sam Cherry, owner of Cherry Development, acknowledged the district has become 'really eclectic, exciting' but noted it brings increased traffic, employees, and safety concerns. He said he believes the BID’s costs would be 'a nominal cost on everything' once people see its benefits. Vincent Do, owner of Audio Bar, raised issues about representation, particularly for businesses north of Charleston Boulevard.
Property owners would pay $6.50 per $1,000 of assessed value for commercial, apartment, and nonprofit properties, and $3.25 per $1,000 for residential condominiums and household properties. Approval requires signatures from owners representing more than 50 percent of the district’s total assessed value, followed by a public hearing and City Council vote.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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