THERE is no price tag yet for the Business Improvement District (BID), but Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon says 83 per cent of business operators on Jimmy Cliff Boulevard have thrown their support behind his plan to transform the area.

The private sector will be expected to contribute financially and be involved in decision-making aimed at fostering and sustaining economic growth.

“We anticipate funding will come from a combination of sources, including the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), the St James Municipal Corporation (SJMC), the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), and the private sector,” Vernon told the Jamaica Observer’s Real Estate on the Rock.

“Rest assured, we are approaching this with a realistic mindset and, as the planning progresses, we will provide more concrete details on costs and funding. Our focus is on building a sustainable, well-structured plan that reflects the community’s needs and resources,” he added.

Once called the Hip Strip, Jimmy Cliff Boulevard is home to a number of hotels, entertainment spots and other commercial activity. Iconic brands such as The Pelican Grill, Pork Pit, Margaritaville, Coral Cliff Gaming and Entertainment, Doctor’s Cave Beach as well as relatively newer entrants Starbucks and S Hotel are all on the strip. There are also shops that dispense cannabis and sell cigars as well as the obligatory craft items geared towards visitors.

In previous years, there had been an issue with touts haranguing pedestrians but that is no longer a major problem. There has been lingering concern, however, that some sidewalks need repairing and the general area could benefit from being spruced up. There have been some renovations, for example, Wexford Hotel is now Hotel 39, but there are still a number of buildings that need work.

The mayor is confident having a BID will pay off.

“The expected benefits include a more appealing and well-maintained environment that attracts more visitors, increases foot traffic, and supports local businesses. This will help position the area as a premier tourism spot, encouraging longer stays and repeat visits, ultimately contributing to broader economic and community development,” Vernon explained.

He said talks were held with 48 business operators along the strip, there were discussions with the Destination Assurance Council (DAC) — which includes all tourism stakeholders — as well TEF, and both groups have endorsed the BID. The mayor said there are plans to engage the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce & Industry as well as the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association’s Montego Bay Chapter.

The idea is for members of the private sector to chair the BID committee, providing leadership and direction.

“This committee, which will include members from the [SJMC] and other stakeholders, will oversee the implementation of projects and initiatives,” said Vernon.

He stressed that the project is still in the very early stages.

“It’s important to understand that the entire revitalisation effort is still in the conceptual stage. At this point, we have not yet determined the total cost, as everything begins with developing a clear concept that the corporation is pursuing. Once the Montego Bay Urban Renewal Committee (MBURC) is established and we have had initial discussions, we will work on creating a detailed budget,” the mayor noted.

The timeline for setting up the MBURC is fiscal year 2025/26. Once established, it will begin with work on Sam Sharpe Square and nearby areas. According to Vernon, this will “serve as the nucleus of our urban renewal efforts”.

He added, “The committee will oversee initiatives to beautify the area, organise vending activities, and encourage business owners to maintain their buildings in an attractive manner. Places such as the civic centre and craft markets will be central to this revitalisation effort. The corporation’s goal is to transform Sam Sharpe Square and its environs into a vibrant area where small and medium enterprises can benefit from the tourism product. We also want to make the space appealing so that residents will want to come and enjoy it, fostering a sense of pride and community.”

There is also an ongoing effort to ensure that the BID is on solid ground, legally. That is part of the overall process of consultation.

“We have engaged a lawyer to prepare the draft regulations required for the establishment and operation of the BID. These draft regulations will form the basis of the consultation process with beneficiaries and other stakeholders. The goal is to gather feedback, address any concerns, and ensure that the regulations reflect the needs and interests of the district. Once we achieve broad consensus on these draft regulations, they will be submitted to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development for final approval,” said Vernon.

“This legal work is an essential step to ensure the BID is established in accordance with the Local Governance Act and with the support of those it aims to serve,” he added.