After nearly an hour of public comments that ranged from support to opposition to delaying for more time to discuss and understand the issue, City Council approved expanding the Special Improvement District (SID) from the downtown area (138 properties) to all commercial properties citywide (closer to 440 properties).

The governing body approved the ordinance (Ordinance 42-14)  by a 6-0-1 vote at its meeting last night. Two members were absent (Councilwoman At-large Nancy Saliga and 5th Ward Councilwoman Jennifer Wenson-Maier). Sixth Ward Councilman Raymond Giacobbe, Jr. because his family has property holdings that would be affected by the measure, including his business (Power & Fitness).

The public hearing on the ordinance drew one of the biggest crowds to a council meeting in in recent memory, with about 25 people speaking on it. Stayed tuned for a follow-up post tonight with more details. In the meantime, some background can be found in posts from last week and yesterday.