Council approved the idea, to help in lieu of the disbanded BIA, which can be brought back
The City of Niagara Falls has moved forward with urgency on a committee that'll help the downtown core, after the old BIA was disbanded.
Councillor Lori Lococo voted against, saying six months have been lost in which businesses could've acted sooner.
But Councillor Ruth Ann Nieuwesteeg pointed to the businesses in the council chamber in favour, as did Councillor Mona Patel, who thought of the committee. "We are not stopping for business vendors, associations, from forming. This committee is filling in the gap right now, time is of the essence, I agree, that's why I brought it forward. Some stores, some business owners might not make it to next summer."
Chief Administrative Officer Jason Burgess says council has authority over leftover BIA funds.
Representatives of some business owners expressed concern the committee will be different than an elected BIA.
Mayor Jim Diodati explained committees, with business representatives, are used often. "We brought the university downtown, just like we brought the GO train downtown, we've created community improvement program incentives for developing the downtown. Just like we've got facade improvements in the downtown, we've helped bring in millions and millions of dollars. We're going to continue to help the downtown."
A number of councillors added the committee and potential new BIA can easily work together.
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