WBDA seeks new manager, direction
Washington Business District Authority is searching for a new manager.
According to Washington Mayor Scott Putnam, the board is “looking to go in a new direction.”
“We’re trying to get the BDA back to its original mission,” Putnam said.
In 2000, city of Washington officials created the authority, to “preserve, improve, promote and enhance the downtown business district.”
Property owners in the 14-block district were charged $9 per $1,000 of their property’s assessed value to fund it. The fee was increased to $11 when council voted to renew the authority for five years in 2016. At that time, meetings were held to discuss the future of the WBDA, and several members said the authority should focus less on maintenance and more on promoting the city.
Most of the board turned over when the authority was renewed. In addition to Putnam, members include Councilman Ken Westcott, Angela Burgess, Matt Miller, Patricia Dittman and Nancy Ogden.
According to Burgess, the board “parted ways mutually” with former manager Pete Stefansky.
Burgess said the board is trying to build on the momentum of community events such as the weekly farmers market and First Fridays.
“This is just the beginning. We’re posting on Facebook, working with businesses to promote them,” she said.
The newly launched website, www.downtownwashingtonpa.com, will soon include a list of properties available for sale or rent in the business district.
“There are some good things coming here, and we’re just really excited to work with all the organizations and businesses to make Washington even better than it already is,” Burgess said. “I think our new board members and renewed partnerships are proof of this new direction.”
The board is accepting applications for the position until May 24. According to the job posting, the manager will serve as a visionary, listener and collaborator with civic and professional constituents in the downtown business area.