Lincoln Road property owners approve taxing district

A majority of Lincoln Road property owners recently voted to create a special taxing district that would raise money for marketing and branding purposes for 10 years.

Most voters supported the creation of the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District (BID), which will tax itself to put $1.4 million toward advertising, holiday programs, decorations, signage and other promotions in the outdoor mall for the next decade.

Of the 76 ballots sent out to eligible property owners, 64 were submitted and 95 percent of those were in favor. The Miami Beach City Commission gave their blessing back in April.

According to the proposal, the district is bounded on the west by Alton Road, on the east by Washington Avenue, on the north by 17th Street and on the south by Lincoln Lane South. Residential properties, properties owned or occupied by a religious institution and used as a place of worship or education and common areas owned by condominium associations are exempt.

City Commissioner Michael Grieco said in a statement he was glad to see property owners along the outdoor mall want to invest in themselves.

“I look forward to seeing those dollars put to good use through perpetual upgrades in service and aesthetics for years to come,” he said.

Steven Gombinksi, president of the Lincoln Road Property Owners Association, said in a statement

“A Lincoln Road BID is an extraordinary important step forward, not just for the Road, but for the future of our community,” he said. “The BID will unify the district, providing a better more cohesive experience for residents and visitors alike.”

This story was originally published August 10, 2015 at 5:34 PM with the headline "Lincoln Road property owners approve taxing district."