Council OKs Business Improvement District

Hoping to perk up a sagging neighborhood noted half a century ago for its thriving mom-and-pop stores, the Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday approved a new business improvement district for Reseda.

Councilwoman Laura Chick, who represents the area, has spearheaded the effort to boost safety and spruce up the appearance of the commercial corridor, which includes parts of Reseda Boulevard and Sherman Way.

“The BID is one piece of a whole menu of programs that have been coming into Reseda since the earthquake” in 1994, Chick said. More than $500,000 in city and federal funds has already been earmarked for the area to brighten its signs and storefronts, clean up its streets and erect bus shelters.

“Not everybody goes for everything to the mall,” Chick said, citing the benefits of a local shopping district with services and supplies that range from restaurants to shoe stores.

The business improvement district, funded by taxing local merchants, must now be approved by all area business owners. The district would include about 740 businesses.

Several business supporters and residents spoke at the council meeting Wednesday, urging adoption of the district “because we cannot go on with promises,” in the words of one resident.

The city will send ballots to the affected merchants asking whether they support the Reseda district.