As president of the Thousand Oaks Boulevard Association, I’m advocating the continuation of a very important special district in the city. If you’re a member of the Thousand Oaks Boulevard Improvement District, you should cast a “yes” vote and mail your ballot in order to continue the existence of the BID.

Ballots are due by Sept. 7. More than 80 percent of our fellow residents placed development of T.O. Boulevard as a priority in our city’s recent attitudes survey. The BID helps us achieve what the people want.

The BID has helped developed a specific plan that allows Thousand Oaks Boulevard to develop as a destination where people can shop, dine, do business and be entertained in a pleasant urban environment.

Formed in 2005, the Thousand Oaks Boulevard Improvement District is a special district comprising nearly 300 people or corporations who own property along Thousand Oaks Boulevard between Moorpark Road and Duesenberg Drive.

Current assessment would remain the same if the BID remains intact. Renewal of the BID won’t increase assessments for property owners. In fact, renewal of the BID would prevent any “tax grab” by California from taking place. If property owners vote to continue the BID, they would continue to enjoy a privilege for special districts: By law, the state cannot take money from a special district.

Thousand Oaks Boulevard property owners, with a “yes” vote, can continue a special district that they control, with their contributions. They can guide the specific plan, with the help of the people and the city, into fruition and develop a boulevard that is a destination and not just an artery.

Speaking on behalf of TOBA, our association members support the continuation of the BID. We urge property owners to vote “yes.” We urge the city of Thousand Oaks to support the BID as well. Rick Lemmo Newbury Park

Rick Lemmo is a member of the Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center board, the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Thousand Oaks Police Charitable Foundation.