A majority of businesses inside the proposed Indiana Downtown Improvement Area have voted against the Business Improvement District Plan.
The plan was voted down by a vote of 122 to 16, which means it does not go forward to the Indiana Borough Council for their approval. The Business Improvement District plan would have provided the downtown section with several maintenance services, and Borough Council President Peter Broad said that those services are now being put back on the Borough’s shoulders, and right now, the borough does not have the staff required for those tasks.
In a media release, Downtown Indiana Executive Director David Janusek said that they were disappointed in the outcome of the vote, and while this is a setback, they will contune to the efforts of making a vital and attractive Downtown area, even if they have to do so with fewer resources.
Last night’s vote may also affect the Borough’s budget, which was also discussed last night. Borough Manager Bradley Gotshall said he wanted to dedicate money from a potential tax increase towards storm water mitigation, but they may have to re-think their strategy.
In other business, the borough discussed an open container resolution, and while council is in favor of the resolution, a majority of council members want to see the beverages limited to beer and wine only, leaving hard liquor and mixed drinks out. A resolution concerning exceptions to the open container rules will go before council at their October meeting.
