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the Special Services District
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The Downtown Manchester Special Services District (DMSSD) is a special
downtown taxing district created in 1993 under Chapter 105A of the Connecticut General
Statutes to promote the economic and general welfare of the citizens of Manchester and
especially the property owners and tenants of the downtown district. The approximately 89
property owners within the District pay an additional tax levy that is set annually. The
current levy is 6.45 mills. These additional funds are set aside to be used to manage,
maintain and promote the District.
Downtown District Boundaries
The Downtown District is a vibrant, mixed-use district of retail, office and residential
life comprised of approx. 141 properties. It is situated at the geographical and historic
center of Manchester. District boundaries run North to South along Main Street from Center
Street to Hartford Road, an area of some 4100 linear feet. District boundaries on the East
side of Main Street extend approximately one block east of Main Street.
History
The Downtown Manchester Special Services District was established by a referendum of
downtown property owners in 1993 in response to changing economic conditions. Construction
of Buckland Hills Mall, Main Street reconstruction and deterioration of the built
environment in the downtown were all catalysts for action.
Oversight
The DMSSD is governed by an 11 member board of commissioners.
The board is comprised of seven regular members, one alternate and three ex officio
members as follows: Director of Planning and Economic Development, President of the
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and a representative from a church located in the
District. Commissioners are elected every two years. Both property owners and tenants
within the District are eligible to vote for commissioners.
Staff
The DMSSD employs a full time downtown manager who is responsible for the operation and
promotion of the District as well as a part-time parking monitor charged with monitoring
and enforcing parking policies within the District.
Budget
The fiscal year for the DMSSD runs from July 1 to June 30. The board of commissioners
adopts a budget for the upcoming year in January. The current budget is approximately
$195,000.
Responsibilities
The DMSSD is responsible for the promotion and marketing of the District, business
recruitment, parking management and supplemental maintenance and beautification efforts.
For additional information on the Downtown Manchester Special Services
District please contact:
Tana Parseliti, Downtown Manager
Downtown Manchester Special Services District
983 Main Street Suite 10
Manchester, CT 06040
Phone: (860) 645-2101 Fax: (860) 645-5325
Email: dmssd@ci.manchester.ct.us
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