Dear Editor:
On behalf of the Westfield BID Board I would like to thank Councilor Allie for his kind words and acknowledgement of the positive work the WBID, its partners and volunteers do every day. There are, however, a few points requiring correction.
Councilor Allie states that there are three BIDS within the state of Massachusetts. This is incorrect. The Westfield BID is proud of the distinction of being the third of seven BIDs within the Commonwealth. Mr. Allie references these BIDs and acknowledges the existence of BIDs within Canada and around the world. I point out that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is the only state in the U.S., as well as around the world, to have initially incorporated an opt-out clause in the original legislation. The 2012 legislative amendment brings Massachusetts in line with the rest of the world. This also provides the membership a five-year cycle of reauthorization votes to assess the return on their investment, aligning the Westfield BID with BIDs around the world.
Councilor Allie also wrote that due to the amended legislation the WBID now has the authority to place liens on properties. This is not something new as a result of the amended legislation. The placement of liens has always been a tool which BIDSs can use to collect on delinquent accounts. The WBID makes every attempt to work with property owners to avoid the placement of liens to determine the existence of hardship. The WBID only places liens as a last resort.
Councilor Allie speaks of board members as supporting the petition of the dissolution of the WBID. As of this writing, I know of no current board member who is in support of the petition position.
Mr. Allie also states that the WBID was in a hurry to activate all members via the October 2013 renewal vote. This is false. The board was thoughtful in its approach in order to understand full, the implications of the legislation and put the question to the membership as to how it felt about the timing of the vote. The result was the impetus for the October 2012 timing.
For further statistics please go to our website, www.thedistrictwestfield.com.
The deciding vote has yet to happen; it appears that will happen on July 7th. For those of you who know how important the WBID is to not only downtown but to the community as a whole, you need to contact City Council. Send an email or call, but LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD! The time is now!
Maureen Belliveau
Executive Director
Westfield Business Improvement District
