A meeting to decide on the creation of a Business Improvement Area for South Bayview has seen a vote of 52 to 25 in favour the proposition. This means a formal vote will be taken among registered merchants and property owners in the designated area which will decide the final outcome. The vote will require 50% plus one ballot of a minimum 30% of those eligible to vote for the project to move forward. The lively meeting at St. Cuthbert’s Church on Bayview Ave. saw many people speak about their reservations and doubts. Neil Mcneil of Frame Designs was doubtful about the return on investment of $650 in BIA fees. “Think about how much more you’re going to have to sell,” he told the assembled merchants. Joanne Lee, owner of Patisserie de Cigogne spoke of how little she felt her firm received for its $1,100 annual fee at her location in the Mosaic BIA on Danforth Ave. Catherine Lapsley of Breath Pilates Studio spoke with concern about how business has declined in recent years. “We have to do something,” she said. The meeting was chaired by Mike Major, Manager of the City’s BIA office. He spoke informatively on how costs occur in the BIA and the formula for the assessment which is sent to property owners in the BIA. The annual sum is added to property taxes, he said. The BIA assessment is a combination of the area’s and property assessment plus the BIA budget, which is approved by the member merchants. The meeting heard from John Parker (Ward 26), Josh Matlow (Ward 22), Grant Allardyce of the Source menswear shop and Trae Zammit owner of Smokin Cigar. Allardyce and Zammit lead the BIA steering committee. All the men spoke in favor of creating a BIA and the need to establish an identity for the shopping district. The discussion touched on the successful BIAs along Bloor Street. There was no mention however that these places are supported mainly by the subway. There will be no subway in South Bayview and the TTC hardly seems to be aware of South Bayview. The 11 Bayview passes through the district but it is not a destination on bus signs. Nor is there a bus from neighborhoods like Moore Park, Bennington Heights and South Leaside to South Bayview. Many people there have said they would prefer to take the bus to their preferred shopping district on Saturday rather than try to park. BIA meet votes 52 to 25 to proceed to final ballot
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A meeting to decide on the creation of a Business Improvement Area for South Bayview has seen a vote of 52 to 25 in favour the proposition. This means a formal vote will be taken among registered merchants and property owners in the designated area which will decide the final outcome. The vote will require 50% plus one ballot of a minimum 30% of those eligible to vote for the project to move forward. The lively meeting at St. Cuthbert’s Church on Bayview Ave. saw many people speak about their reservations and doubts. Neil Mcneil of Frame Designs was doubtful about the return on investment of $650 in BIA fees. “Think about how much more you’re going to have to sell,” he told the assembled merchants. Joanne Lee, owner of Patisserie de Cigogne spoke of how little she felt her firm received for its $1,100 annual fee at her location in the Mosaic BIA on Danforth Ave. Catherine Lapsley of Breath Pilates Studio spoke with concern about how business has declined in recent years. “We have to do something,” she said. The meeting was chaired by Mike Major, Manager of the City’s BIA office. He spoke informatively on how costs occur in the BIA and the formula for the assessment which is sent to property owners in the BIA. The annual sum is added to property taxes, he said. The BIA assessment is a combination of the area’s and property assessment plus the BIA budget, which is approved by the member merchants. The meeting heard from John Parker (Ward 26), Josh Matlow (Ward 22), Grant Allardyce of the Source menswear shop and Trae Zammit owner of Smokin Cigar. Allardyce and Zammit lead the BIA steering committee. All the men spoke in favor of creating a BIA and the need to establish an identity for the shopping district. The discussion touched on the successful BIAs along Bloor Street. There was no mention however that these places are supported mainly by the subway. There will be no subway in South Bayview and the TTC hardly seems to be aware of South Bayview. The 11 Bayview passes through the district but it is not a destination on bus signs. Nor is there a bus from neighborhoods like Moore Park, Bennington Heights and South Leaside to South Bayview. Many people there have said they would prefer to take the bus to their preferred shopping district on Saturday rather than try to park. 