Services Began on January 1, 2016, for the Newest Addition to the Downtown Santa Monica District, Managed by DTSM, Inc.
(Downtown Santa Monica, CA) – January 11, 2015 – The new year already looks like a bright (and clean) one for Lincoln Boulevard as the newest zone in Downtown Santa Monica. After the July 14, 2015 vote in which Lincoln property owners elected to join the Property-Based Assessment District (PBAD), DTSM, Inc. (then acting as a consultant to the city) made preparations to officially welcome the iconic street into the district.
As early as December 11, a clean sweep operation began and continued through the month clearing 15,435 lbs. of trash along with the removal of nearly 400 stickers and 26 graffiti tags. Full PBAD service began on January 1st, 2016 and include:
• daily patrol by hospitality ambassadors
• removal of fliers, stickers, gum, and other debris
• enhanced maintenance of sidewalks including sweeping and spot cleaning
• marketing of the district, businesses, and community events
• monitoring transient encampments and exploring solutions
Prior to its official 2016 induction, Lincoln Blvd was primed for service with pressure washing treatment powered with reclaimed water by the Santa Monica Urban Runoff Recycling Facility (SMURRF).
"Adding Lincoln Boulevard to Downtown Santa Monica's service area makes perfect sense given that it is considered a part of the District, according to the Land Use & Circulation Element, as well as in the minds of many who live or visit the area," says DTSM, Inc. CEO Kathleen Rawson, "Lincoln is evolving, and we are in a unique position to help the bustling street become more walkable and liveable for all Santa Monicans."
A partner and advocate for Downtown businesses since 1986, DTSM, Inc. conducted extensive outreach to property owners as the City-appointed assessor of both proposals, and now manages services for both disticts.
TIMELINE OVERVIEW
2010
The Land Use and Circulation Element (LUCE) is passed by the City of Santa Monica, modifying the zoning boundaries of Downtown to include Lincoln Blvd. (In the expansion project, DTSM, Inc. would go on to modify its boundaries to match those outlined in the LUCE).
July 25, 2013
DTSM, Inc. board approves proposal to conduct a feasibility study to explore expansion of the PBAD to include Lincoln Blvd, and extended services to Colorado Ave. The request came with the acknowledgement of anticipated increase in pedestrian activity associated with the incoming Expo Line and residential mixed-use development planned for Lincoln Blvd. Contract is awarded to Progressive Urban Management Associates (PUMA).
September 2013 - April 2015
DTSM, Inc. seeks property owners' interest in becoming part of the PBAD on Lincoln after receiving requests from some property owners about joining Downtown, and receiving additional services on Colorado.
April 8, 2014
Council approves the City's Economic Development Department recommendation to allocate $55,500 for DTSM, Inc. to act as the consultant to the City in assessing the addition of Lincoln Blvd and expanding services on Colorado Ave. Consulting to include development of a Management Plan and Engineer's Report, preparation of the assessment methodology, providing technical assistance, and outreach to stakeholders/property owners.
January 28, 2015
Meeting at DTSM, Inc. offices for Lincoln and Colorado property owners to inform them of the proposed change/addition and the process, with a presentation by Brad Segal of PUMA.
February 26 2015
Petitions are mailed to all property owners, with follow-up calls and emails to ensure receipt. Petitions representing 40% of all proposed assessments need to be returned to progress to the official ballot phase.
April 10, 2015
Deadline for return of petitions in which the 40% required threshold is met.
April 28, 2015
Council meeting; acceptance of petition results. Authorized to begin mailing ballots.
May 4, 2015
Ballots mailed to property owners.
June 23 2015
Deadline for return of ballots at Council meeting.
July 14, 2015
Council meeting; acceptance of ballot results. 51% of ballots returned need to be in favor in order to pass (Lincoln and Colorado pass with 67.1% of Lincoln ballots in favor; 72.1% of Colorado ballots in favor.)
December 2015
Preliminary services begin on Lincoln Blvd. with power-washing sidewalks, sweeping, spot cleaning.
January 1, 2016
Full-service begins in both zones with daily patrol by hospitality ambassadors, removal of trash and debris, enhanced maintenance of sidewalks, and marketing of the district, businesses, and community events.
About Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM, Inc.)
Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. is a private non-profit 501c(3) that works with the City of Santa Monica to manage services and operations in Downtown Santa Monica that promote economic stability, growth and community life within Downtown Santa Monica. DTSM, Inc. manages the Property-based Business Assessment District (PBAD) that encompasses the area bounded by Ocean Avenue (W), Wilshire Boulevard (N), Lincoln Boulevard (E) and the Santa Monica Freeway (S). For more info, please visit DowntownSM.com or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DowntownSantaMonica
Media Contact:
Jeff Wagner Agency
323-461-1011
Ryan Porter: Ryan@JeffWagnerAgency.com