User talk:Dthomsen8/OCSSD

Old City Special Services District of Philadelphia is a municipal authority providing business improvement district services in the Old City neighborhood of Center City, Philadelphia.

Sidewalk cleaning
The Old City Special Services District has a program of sidewalk cleaning with uniformed crews to vacuum the sidewalks every morning, and to sweep and clean sidewalks by high-pressure hoses during the day. These uniformed crews also remove graffiti from buildings, poles and signs. The District also encourages and responds to complaints about graffiti from the public. The Philadelphia Streets Department cleans the cart-ways from curb line to curb line and empties the public trash receptacles.

Security
The District has uniformed community service representatives, who give directions to visitors, and are safety ambassadors in the area. They can report any security problems to the Philadelphia Police.

The 6th Philadelphia Police District and the Old City Special Services District are working together to improve safety and security for visitors, businesses and residents.

Marketing
To encourage and increase the commercial, retail, and cultural activities in the District, the Old City Special Services District supports marketing and promotional initiatives to enhance the public image of Old City. The official website is part of those initiatives.

Planning
The District has developed and is working to implement a streetscape improvement plan.

Funding
A 5% surcharge on the real estate tax of commercial properties within the District is the funding source for the District. The funds are collected and expended for supplemental services and programs within the District.

Administration
The Old City Special Services District Authority has a nineteen member Board of Directors representing Old City’s major property owners and occupants, and leaders of business, cultural, education, labor union and health care institutions. A chief executive officer, who reports to the Board of Directors, manages the activities of the District and its operations.