Editorial: Schenectady DSIC good, and getting better

Last week was an eventful one for the DSIC, the business improvement district that cleans streets, plants flowers, promotes and coordinates activities and events in downtown Schenectady. First the city council, recognizing the progress the organization has made in answering some concerns of downtown business owners, approved mayoral reappointments to the board that it rejected earlier this year. Later came news that the DSIC had won a $200,000 state grant from the NY Main Street program to create or renovate residential and commercial space — its third in four years — further recognition that it is doing good work.

We have been strong supporters of the DSIC since 2001, when an existing parking district was expanded to create it. That’s when it took on the duties and focus of other business improvement districts, like the ones in New York City and Albany. Those business improvement districts have been successful, and so has this one, working well with organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and Metroplex to improve conditions downtown, to bring businesses, activities and people there.

Still, there was room for improvement in the organization itself. Downtown business owners provide most of its funding, through special assessments, and they understandably want their money’s worth — as well as a say. There was concern on the part of some that the DSIC was focusing too much on beautification and not enough on promotion; and the board responded by hiring a new director whose expertise is in marketing and promoting small business. There was concern by some owners far from downtown that they weren’t getting enough services; and the board responded by hiring a consultant to review and possibly adjust their assessment.

There is one remaining concern, and it is legitimate. Business owners want more authority, if not a vote, over who should be on the board, something that Mayor Brian Stratton, who now makes the appointments, has resisted. Although the city council didn’t insist on a different selection method, it is clearly open to one, and a board committee is now studying the issue and will report back with a new plan.

Stratton in the past has offered a compromise in which the board would suggest nominees to him — although he would retain full power over the final choice. That seemed reasonable to us, but it wasn’t enough for business owners. Let’s see what the board comes up with. If it’s something that recognizes the city’s interests, makes the owners happy and ensures good people on the board, Stratton and the council should be prepared to change the selection system.

September 2, 2008
12:37 p.m.

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taxpayer1 ( no real name given ) says...

this is what happens when you have one party goverment as we have in Schenectady. The people you elect tend to act like kings because there is no alternative. why does the mayor have to have full control is he afraid to hear everything isnt wonderful from some people who do not necessarily kiss his ring?