City Council approves Municipal Service District

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Central Business District in Downtown Wilmington is one step closer to getting a Municipal Service District. The council voted in favor of the district 6-1.

Residents and business owners spoke out on both sides of the issue which would call for a $0.07 increase per $100 property value for those in the MSD area.

Those in favor said cleaning up the area will change the perception and make the city seem more inviting. They also said the added security of the MSD will give them more peace of mind and encourage more people to come to the downtown area.

But not everyone agrees.

“I want a more clear cut vision of what they’re proposing. Right now it seems a little broad to me. So let’s make sure that those dollars are going to benefit people other than just Front Street, and 2nd and 3rd Street,” said Shelia Gasquet.

The first reading was approved tonight. The second vote is slated for December 6.