Dear Neighbor, The Friends of the High Line have asked the city to establish a Business Improvement District (BID) in our neighborhood. Unlike other BIDs, this special tax would fall on both residential and commercial properties and would be used to maintain the High Line. This scheme is a special tax on a particular neighborhood in support of a public amenity which benefits all. Central Park, in comparison, is supported by general tax revenues and by private contributions to the Central Park Conservancy, not by taxes levied on Upper East and Westsiders. A map as of August 12, 2009 for the proposed tax district can be found here: http://nohighlinetax.org/documents/HighLineTaxMapAug12-09.pdf Those in Subdistrict A would pay approximately 9 cents a square foot; those in Subdistrict B, approximately 3 cents a square foot. As with any tax, there will be increases in the future. If provided for in leases, landlords can pass on the tax to tenants. Also keep in mind that this is a strategically low figure that only pertains to the first year operating budget. According to NYC’s Small Business Services, the average BID corresponds to 6 percent of real estate taxes paid. However, in view of the spending patterns of High Line officials as compared to other city parks (see: http://www.nypost.com/seven/08032009/news/regionalnews/sky_high_costs_182768.htm ), future assessments may substantially exceed this average. We are not against the High Line and recommend to those who wish to support it privately to do so generously. But we think it unfair that there be a special tax on our area, particularly at a time when there are so many pressing social needs. Add your voice and FIGHT THE HIGH LINE TAX by signing the No High Line Tax petition below. We are addressing this petition to the individuals and organizations listed below, however you can make your OPPOSITION to the HIGHLINE TAX even stronger by sending an e-mail stating your opposition to the High Line BID (include your name, telephone number, and indicate whether you are a property owner or tenant). Eddie Eng, BID Development Director for SBS: [email protected] with a CC: to the following three addresses: Friends of the High Line Steering Committee: [email protected] Danielle DeCerbo, Project Manager for Land Use, Speaker Christine Quinn's Office: [email protected] [email protected] For any questions please contact by e-mail: [email protected]