Downtown was fine before DSBA, BID

In reference to Kathleen Hyde’s article “Prosperous downtowns don’t just happen,” I have owned a Sandpoint business since 1971 and it could be that I’ve been around the area longer than Kathleen because I remember things a bit differently.

Before the Downtown Sandpoint Business Association and the Business Improvement District tax were in place, I remember sidewalks, lights, parking and signs. I remember public art. I remember businesses decorating their individual shops at holiday times and flower pots in the summer. I remember Crazy Days, Lost in the ’50s and numerous other events. I remember businesses cleaning up their own individual spots. I remember scheduled garbage pick-up. I remember a pleasant and friendly business community.

Now that we have the DSBA and the BID tax I will remember that since over half of the businesses desire to see the DSBA and the BID tax dissolved, there is a division in the business community. I will remember that some businesses have moved to Ponderay and other areas to get away from the BID. I will remember that the merchants have had to raise their prices to the consumers because of the added expense of the BID tax. I will remember that the business owner and originator of one of the aforementioned town events was sued and taken to court by the DSBA. I will remember that some small businesses are being harassed by a collection agency from Coeur d’Alene while some businesses who owe so much more are not bothered at all.

Lastly, I will remember doing the bookkeeping for my little business and feeling sad about being forced to pay the BID tax when I know for a fact my business does not benefit any better in any way then it did pre-DSBA.

Paying for something and getting no return for it is a business practice.

SUSIE THIEME

Sandpoint