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Session 1258, Minutes Page 8 September 22, 1980 Loop renters from the special tax, all merchants to pay an additional 50% on the business license tax, and that the real property tax not apply to property used for residential purposes. Ms Dorothy Farley, representing Craft Alliance, 6640 Delmar, asked to address the Council. Ms Farley said the Board of Directors of Craft Alliance wholeheartedly endorsed the establishment of the business district, feeling that the acceleration of improvement this would provide will bring to the area even more people and money. Ms ElaimWright, representing Commerce Bank, 6630 Delmar, asked to address the Council. Ms Wright also said that the Board of Directors and bank officers enthu- siastically support the establishment of the special business district. She said it was a progressive step forward and a unified effort of the Loop community, turn- ing to its own resources and giving of itself to promote its own better business health and growth. Mr. Paul Schoomer, 6802 Pershing, president of the University City Loop Associanion, asked to address the Council. He said the loop business community is almost entire- ly in favor of enactment of thi~ measure. Mr. Sabol asked Mr. Schoomer how many businesses were involved, and Mr. Schoomer asked Ms Mary Fahey to come forward. Ms Fahey, Director of Business Development in University City, said there were 24 commercial buildings which house 58 retailers, 28 offices, and 2 financial institu- tions, a total of 88 establishments. Ms Fahey said a total of 118 certified let- ters went out to businesses and property owners, informing them of this matter. Both businesses and property owners are to pay the tax. Ms Fahey said all owners and operators were invited to four meetings in which was explained what is to be accomplished and how the taxing will work. Mr. Sabol asked how many voluntarily said they wanted to participate, and Ms Fahey said this would be a mandatory tax in which all would participate. Mr. Schoomer said in all of the conversations and meetings in which he participated, there were three who expressed specific reserva- tions. Mr. Ollendorff said the next step would be for the Council to ask that a bill be drafted, embodying the necessary steps for the establishment of the special business district. Mrs. Metcalfe recommended that the bill be prepared. Mr. Ollendorff said that unless the Council directs otherwise, the bill will be prepared with the peti- tioner's suggested changes. Mr. Richard To Smith, proprietor of Smith Hardware, 6662 Delmar, asked to address the Council. Mr. Smith said he wished to go on record as being in opposition to the establishment of the special business district in the 1oDp. He said he was opposed because of the double taxation, with the owner paying a tax, and a 50% increase in the merchant's license. Mr. William Bigner, proprietor of the University City Hardware, 6511 Delmar, asked to address the Council. Mr. Bigner concurred with Mr. Smi~h's views on the tax. He suggested that there be a trial period to see how this tax will benefit the dis- trict and increase business. He also said some accommodation would need to be made in terms of parking, since if business increases, there would be shortage of parking.