Hartford Business Improvement District
31 Pratt Street, 5th fl
Hartford, Connecticut 06103
860-728-2274 office
860-293-2592 fax
www.hartfordbid.com

• What is a BID?
• Proposed Services
• How a BID will benefit your property
• FAQs
• BID Map
• BID by the numbers
  
  BID Budget
  
  List of BID properties
  
  Board of Commissioners
  
  HBID Board Meeting
  
• Schedule
  
• Minutes
• 
  News
• Contact

The goal of the Hartford BID is a clean, safe,
well-managed district that can successfully compete as an attractive location for business, tourism, entertainment and dining, shopping and living.

 

“Business Improvement Districts represent public/private partnerships at their very best. Time and time again, they have proven effective in revitalizing neighborhoods and improving business conditions in commercial districts – injecting vitality into the community.”
Mayor Michael Bloomberg, City of New York

“The BID model produces visible results and consistently demonstrates a significant return on investment.”
Alfred Cerullo, Grand Central Partnership, NYC

“When it comes to commercial districts, perception is paramount. An individual’s first impression upon visiting a district often determines whether that person will return to shop, decide to do business in the area or make it his/her home.”
Barbara Askins, 125th Street BID, NYC

This Hartford BID is the result of more than two years of work by small and large property owners, numerous business people and several civic, business and neighborhood associations including Business for Downtown Hartford, Farmington Asylum Business District, Farmington Avenue Alliance, Hartford Guides, Hartford Proud & Beautiful, Greater Hartford Arts Council and the MetroHartford Alliance.

Special thanks to the City of Hartford for their assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is allowed to vote in the October BID referendum?

Property owners who own taxable interests in the proposed district are entitled to vote in the October referendum. Each individual property is entitled to one vote. Tax-exempt properties are not entitled to vote in the referendum and are not required to pay the BID assessment.

How many properties must vote in favor of the BID for the referendum to pass?

State Statute states that a double majority is required for passage of the referendum. More than 50% of the actual properties must vote ‘yes’ and more than 50% of the total assessed value of the district must vote in favor of establishing the BID.

If the October referendum is successful, when will the BID start?

The goal would be to have the BID start operations on January 1, 2007. Property owners would see a pro-rated amount (6 months) on their January 2007 City tax bill.

What is 1 mill?

1 mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 worth of assessed value. For example, the BID contribution for a property with an assessed value of $500,000 would be $500.

How will the new BID be governed?

A general meeting will be held in November to elect a board of commissioners to govern the affairs of the district. The board will consist of 15 property owners, 3 lessees and 5 ex-officio seats.

How will the annual BID assessment be determined?

By ordinance, the assessment is set at 1 mill and will remain at 1 mill for the first 3 years of the ordinance. The city tax collector will use the assessed value from the October 1st Grand List to determine the precise amount owed by each property owner.

Is the annual BID assessment voluntary?

No, if the BID referendum is successful, every taxable property owner in the district will be required to pay the additional 1 mill levy. This guarantees that every taxable property in the district contributes to improvements in the district.

Will the assessment be the only source of income for the BID?

No, although the assessment constitutes the largest single source of revenue it only constitutes approximately 60% of projected revenue. Other income sources under the model being developed include the City of Hartford, earned income through fee for service contracts, foundation revenue and voluntary contributions.

What will the new organization look like and what level of services will be provided?

The board of commissioners will determine how the BID will be structured and what services will be provided. It is anticipated that almost all of the program expenses will be devoted to street level personnel with an equal emphasis on public safety and cleanliness/beautification programs. It is envisioned that as the organization matures an increasing emphasis will be placed on marketing and promotion.