United Vision for Eastside

It’s been five months since the Milpas Community Association (MCA) presented to the City Council about their intent to develop an Eastside Business Improvement District (EBID). Since then, over 150 businesses have joined forces to establish different alternatives and oppose the current petition. Business owners have testified feeling harassed by the MCA. Most have felt disrespected by not being included in the EBID development. This EBID has also brought out other groups against it in a very negative way; as exampled by a protest that should have never taken place.

On Wednesday, April 8, 2015, the Neighborhood Advisory Council met to hear a presentation by our effort to stop the EBID. After the presentation, it was clear that both sides should come together and mend broken relationships.

For this reason, we are requesting that the MCA withdraw this petitioning process. In return, we offer the opportunity to work together with the MCA toward a united vision. We also offer a mediated process that will help us develop new and positive dialog.

The MCA is the only entity that holds the power to withdraw this petition and allow for this process to take place. All we can do is offer this opportunity before the EBID is permanently imposed.

If we want what is best for our neighborhood businesses, let’s bring forth a healing process. We can choose to continue to divide our community or create positive solutions. We are offering a solution that we hope the MCA will consider for the betterment of our community moving forward.

Dante Morales is the proprietor of Omar’s Travel, and this letter is supported by Torresanta Insurance Agency, Diamond Finish Auto Body, Make It Wireless, and Classic Barber Shop.