Business Improvement Districts Can Thrive with Resident Support
Jul 25th, 2010
The Atkinson-Capitol-Teutonia (ACT) Business Improvement District (BID) #29 is managed by Barry Mimis. Barry comes from a community organizing background and brings all the connections from his years of work with block clubs and law enforcement to the ACT BID. His expertise and experience really shined for the ACT Family Fest on 20th and West Capitol Drive.
Safe & Sound has worked extensively with Barry on numerous collaborations and neighborhood improvement projects. His connections and established trust with the surrounding neighborhood were demonstrated by the diversity of participants. For the Family Fest, Safe & Sound helped inform area residents prior to the event and offered a resource table the day of the event which was staffed by long-time area organizer Al Hegwood and our newest Community Partner Diane Kosarzycki. They spoke with many of the same people they work with in the neighborhood and met new families interested in working towards a better community.
The event’s featured business was Mr. Perkins’ Family Restaurant at 2001 W. Atkinson Ave. The Perkins family has operated the establishment for forty-one years in the same neighborhood. Unfortunately, the primary operation, Willie Perkins, Jr. died earlier this year but his family, including his father who is the restaurants founder, were present at the celebration. The Perkins business was acknowledged as an area asset with proclamations from U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore, State Assemblywoman Annette” Polly” Williams, Common Council President Hines, Alderpersons Wade, Coggs, Hamilton, and City Administration’s Deshea Agee. Representatives from churches, businesses and organizations celebrated the business and family with praise. In addition, a beautiful new park was officially opened as part of the days celebrations.The Atkinson-Capitol-Teutonia (ACT) Business Improvement District (BID) #29 is managed by Barry Mimis who can be contacted at 414-444-8239 or bmimis@nwscdc.org.
