FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Dark shops, boarded buildings, and mostly empty strip malls. Vacant spaces are scattered throughout Fresno’s tower district.<\/p>\n
“When we have buildings that are vacant, it gives people who are not as familiar with our community the idea that it’s not safe or that it is not thriving economically, and it does hurt our other businesses,” says Cami Cipolla, Executive Director Tower Business Association.<\/p>\n
Riddled with challenges, city leaders are tasked with finding new ways to bring in opportunity.<\/p>\n
On Thursday, the city council unanimously approved a new incentive, a 50% rebate on the sales tax for each new business that fills a vacant storefront in the Tower District.<\/p>\n
This is part of a 12 month pilot program with an emphasis on family friendly options, and excludes large chain stores.<\/p>\n
“We have a package now, to incentivize, to sweeten the deal, hopefully make it a little easier to do business in our city,” says Councilmember Annalisa Perea.<\/p>\n
The chicken pie shop building is now gutted. A not fully developed shop on Olive has been in the works for years.<\/p>\n
Cami Cipolla, executive director of the Tower Business Association, tells Action News, while this move is a step in the right direction, it’s still a daunting task for incoming businesses facing red tape and unforeseen setbacks.<\/p>\n
“Some of these buildings that have been around for 50 years, so they’re not up to code when it comes to fire. They’re not code. Goodness knows how much that will cost,” says Cipolla.<\/p>\n
As a perspective business owner herself, Cipolla has seen progress made, but says the area continues to face a stigma. The association now focused on highlighting the area’s vibrant culture, eclectic vibe, and sense of community as it seeks to start its next chapter.<\/p>\n
“Tower is Fresno’s culture, and that’s what the business owners want to see. They want to see more people coming out here and saying that we have so much to offer, and we’re such a great community and I think we can do it. It’s going to take time, nothing happens overnight,” says Cipolla.<\/p>\n
According to the resolution, agreements between the new businesses and the city are set to last for up to two years.<\/p>\n
The new offer is now available for any incoming businesses.<\/p>\n
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