Business Improvement District tackles Downtown beautification

 

Sidewalk washing, flower barrels and cigarette urns part of effort to enhance appearance

 

To support its constituents and assist in the appearance and beautification of Downtown Durango through the summer tourist season, the Durango Business Improvement District (BID) has contracted sidewalk power-washing services and flower barrel maintenance, plus has invested in additional cigarette urns.

“One of the primary things you’ll see BIDs across the country doing is cleaning and beautification of their districts,” said Bob Kunkel, BID executive director, noting that BIDs are established to assist with the economic vitality of specified areas of a community. “Cleanliness and appearance are important to both visitors and locals. They subconsciously speak of safety and demonstrate community pride, plus encourage longer stays Downtown.”

Throughout the summer months, Ben Cross, Pro Mobile Wash, will power-wash the Main Avenue sidewalks between College Drive and 12th St. each Friday at 4 a.m. Additionally, the BID has retained Greg Goodson to visit all of the 101 flower barrels in the Central Business District each week to provide general maintenance, inspect the flowers and help keep the planters clean. He will, however, not water the planters, and businesses with flower barrels are reminded to water their flowers daily.

“These are the only two contractors we have authorized to work for the BID, and we are completely underwriting the cost,” added Kunkel, noting that opportunistic individuals have been circulating claiming to work for the BID or City of Durango and charging for sub-standard services. “If merchants are approached for sidewalk maintenance, awning care, etc., we ask that they check references and use discretion when hiring independent contractors.”

Recognizing that cigarette butts are the number one litter problem in Downtown Durango, with “clusters” of butts on the sidewalks and streets, especially outside restaurants, the BID began purchasing cigarette urns in 2009 as part of a partnership with Keep America Beautiful’s Cigarette Litter Prevention Program. Last year the BID added to the number of urns on the street (now more than 50), and currently has purchased 12 additional urns for any merchant wishing to replace a damaged one or install one for the first time, free of charge, outside their facility. Those requesting the urns must agree to keep them clean and physically secured to their place of business to prevent theft and deter vandalism.

“The BID has a small budget, so we try to invest in efforts that will get us the biggest bang for our buck to benefit our constituents,” said Kunkel. “We’re looking forward to a great summer season.”

The Durango Business Improvement District was formed in 1997 with a goal and mission to support businesses within the District by assisting with special event marketing, providing research on topics of concern to the District (facilities, special events, best practices), planning and development of new facilities, and providing capital budget for equipment that enhances business in the District. Funding is generated by a 2 mill levy on property owners within the district, with additional marketing dollars contributed by the City of Durango and Durango Area Tourism Office. BID Board members are Bob Allen, presiding officer; Karen Barger, Rod Barker, John Wells and Tim Wheeler. Learn more at www.downtowndurango.org <http://www.downtowndurango.org/> , or call 970.375.5067.