MERCHANTS MAY EXPAND FUND PAYERS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT VOTE SET.

Byline: Susan Abram Staff Writer

BURBANK - Merchants near Media City Center will vote on broadening the Business Improvement District so that property owners as well as tenants will pay into a fund to improve and maintain the area.

The proposal, approved by the City Council on Tuesday, calls for Media City Center, IKEA, the new AMC-Theatre and other larger businesses to join the existing district.

The move, in which property owners would be assessed 16 cents per square foot of land per year, would generate up to $730,000 a year for five years, according to city staffers.

``The old plan just didn't generate enough money to do anything,'' said Jack Lynch, acting assistant community development director for redevelopment and housing. ``We've reached our critical mass, and downtown is now generating a buzz.''

The assessments - if approved by a majority of property owners and then by the council - would begin by the end of the year, Lynch said.

Even City Hall would be assessed a fee to contribute to downtown's overall appearance, with the Redevelopment Agency picking up the tab.

Merchants and property owners say the plan would create a unified front for capital improvements. About two-thirds of the 131 businesses in the area signed a petition approving the plan.

``I feel that this is going to help the downtown area because they are going to combine us with bigger businesses,'' said Paul Ehre, co-owner of the highly visible retail shop SkyBluePink. ``When these people become part of a BID, then it means a better downtown for everyone.''

Downtown already has been undergoing improvements. A new signage program that will point the way to parking garages was recently approved. Urban Outfitters, a popular retailer, plans to open in the fall at 328 N. San Fernando Blvd. The 16-screen AMC will open June 18th. ``What it does is it makes the property owner responsible for the Business Improvement District,'' said William Tucker, who owns five properties in downtown Burbank. ``You'll have a much bigger pool of dollars, for promotional events among other improvements. I've always said your downtown should be the living room for the city.''

If landowners accept the proposal, the council may approve it in July.