The Downtown Improvement District could soon expand its borders. Sarasota City Commissioners this week are expected to appoint an ad hoc committee to explore including the Rosemary District in the special taxing district, and the new committee could also look into the potential of expanding into other areas of the city as well in the future. 

Officials at City Hall have been exploring the subject since June, when the Downtown Improvement District Board asked for City Commissioners to create a committee to check on Greater Rosemary property owners’ interest in being included in the district. The committee will also look at whether residential properties should be included as well. “I have looked at a number of cities and about half of those who have (improvement districts) also tax residents,” said Ken Shelin, a former Sarasota City Commissioner who pushed for the creation of the DID and who is expected to be appointed to the ad hoc committee on Tuesday.

Sarasota’s district was created in 2008 and covers a small part of downtown. In the district, property owners pay a special tax with revenues dedicated to improvements to downtown within the DID boundaries. In Sarasota's DID, only businesses are taxed. Shelin said cities where residents in business districts do get taxed often have a more modest tax rate.

Tony Souza, who is applying to serve on the committee as well, said he will see whether residents living in condos downtown would be interested in paying a tax knowing the revenues would all go toward improvements to the district. He also has always had an interest in bringing further vitality to Rosemary. "Now especially, with 2,100 housing units coming in, it's going to change that district and downtown dramatically," Souza said.

Shelin is optimistic about the inclusion of Rosemary, and wonders if there are opportunities to broaden the district in other directions. He suggested expansion of the district could potentially make up for the possible expiration of the Communtiy Redevelopment Agency.

City Commissioners meet Tuesday. The afternoon session begins at 2:30pm.