Mission Statement

The James Street Improvement District builds effective partnerships to maintain a clean and safe environment and to promote, plan and advocate for a growing, diverse, urban community from Downtown through Northwest Lancaster.

The James Street Improvement District (JSID) was created in March, 2003 by a consortium of concerned community members including local businesses, Franklin & Marshall College and Lancaster General Hospital. The focus of this non-profit community development organization is the Northwest area of Lancaster City to the north and northwest of the downtown business district. The priorities of JSID are to improve the quality of life through a focus on advocacy, marketing, economic development and basic services.

Effective May 1, 2007, the JSID began overseeing many of the functions of the Downtown Investment District (DID), a municipal authority that receives assessments from property owners within a specific Downtown area. Both the JSID and DID Boards of Directors approved a management agreement which outlines responsibilities and accountability measures. The DID shares common goals with the JSID, including a primary focus on ensuring a "clean and safe" environment.

May 21st, the JSID expanded its red-shirted bike squad into the Downtown. Just as the squad functions in the northwest, the JSID's bike squad presence in the Downtown is an enhancement to the Bureau of Police's patrols, with considerable coordination and collaboration between the Police and the JSID.

Beyond public safety, the JSID, working in conjunction with the City of Lancaster and other partners, will focus its energy on several key priorities:

• Collaborative Marketing
• Assessing Infrastructure
• Supporting Real Estate Development

It is an exciting time for the JSID and for the City of Lancaster. We welcome your comments and participation in our efforts. Please feel free to call or e-mail us, or drop by our offices. We'll work hard to keep the community updated regularly on our progress.

Please visit www.jsidlancaster.org for more information.

What is the Lancaster Downtown Investment District Authority (DID)?

The Lancaster Downtown Investment District Authority (DID) began operation in 1992 when property owners within the District granted their approval for its formation. Since that time, property owners, civic leaders and area businesses have supported DID programs to ensure that downtown Lancaster is safe, clean, attractive and vital.

The DID is a nonprofit municipal authority which is dedicated to the continued economic vitality of downtown Lancaster. The DID operates under the Central Business District Authority Act which was signed into law by Governor Dick Thornburgh in 1980. This law allows downtowns, with the prior approval of property owners, to set up special assessment districts like the DID which provide a reliable and equitable source of funding for downtown management programs.

Services Provided

Safety
Because security is a primary concern of DID property owners, close to 25% of the revenue raised through assessments has been appropriated to the DID Community Policing Program. This program, which is a joint effort between the DID and the City, has increased the amount of police coverage in the downtown by 72% and reduced crime by over 60%. DID Community Policing Officers are highly visible and serve as goodwill ambassadors in the downtown as well as a deterrent to crime. They are available to visit with residents and businesses, conduct free security audits, assist with traffic at rush hour, and attend neighborhood and employee meetings. These professional police officers, who patrol the District on foot, bicycle and horseback, provide a sense of security and help to improve both the perception and the reality of a safe downtown.

Appearance
DID appearance efforts include sidewalk cleaning of all 12 square blocks 6 days each week. The banner project, improved lighting and litter baskets are other parts of the program. The DID will continue to be the creation of a clean and attractive environment for downtown residents, workers, customers and visitors.

Marketing
Encourage the establishment of new commercial, educational and professional businesses in District properties.

• Attract new and strengthen existing retail and specialty shops in District properties.
• Improve the overall appearance and convenience of the District.
• Establish the District as a cultural, arts & entertainment, and tourist center for the metropolitan area.
• Improve the District image through publicity, promotion and marketing campaigns.

Advocacy/Lobbyist
The DID serves as an advocate on behalf of the downtown business community and frequently lobbies government agencies, public utilities and municipal authorities on its behalf. The DID represents the interests of downtown on issues like parking, public transportation, maintenance improvements, and State funding. The DID initiated replacement of outmoded decorative lighting in Lancaster Square and will continue to lobby for additional lighting improvements. By serving as the voice of downtown, the DID is able to consistently represent the vital interests of its business community.

Boundaries
The boundaries of the District run roughly from Vine to Lemon Street and from Water to Lime Street. This 4.2 million square foot area is approximately four times the size of Park City Mall.

Details on Snow Removal

Details on Leaf Collection

Board of Directors

Complete Staff Listing for Downtown Lancaster & James Street Investment District

Board Meeting Minutes