Old Town Business, the organization behind the Cookie Crawl, the Warehouse Sale and many other major Old Town events, is ending its run.
Old Town Business had existed for about 40 years, supporting small Old Town businesses, boutiques and artists. Starting with the pandemic years, the organization has grown significantly — by 300% since 2019.
In 2023, OTB launched an effort to transform itself into a Business Improvement Service District(BISD) based on guidelines created by Alexandria’s City Council.
In part because absentee owners (and some local owners) did not support the effort, it failed. The leaders of OTB have determined that the organization cannot continue in its current state.
“A BISD would have created a positive impact on all of Alexandria,” said Scott Shaw, OTB board member and partner of Alexandria Restaurant Partners.
The BISD would have been comprised of close to 500 properties that were being asked to pay slightly higher property taxes to support events, activities and services. The cost for property owners affected would be 10 cents of every $100 of assessed valuation, or less than $1,000 per year for most property owners. In many cases, property owners would have passed along costs to leaseholders.
The BISD could help with economic growth and stability and build a network of support for Old Town businesses, said business owner Amy Rutherford, who served on the OTB board. In addition to signature events, the BISD would seek “to serve as one voice for businesses in the district [and] to increase overall wellbeing of those who live, work and play in the district.”
“[OTB] implemented a parking program that took hundreds of employee’s cars off the streets and put them in garages leaving room for residents and customers. Created more than 20 events that brought customers to Old Town and gave office tenants a reason to return. Kept people safe with a COVID vaccine clinic during the pandemic and were key to the closure of the 100 block of King Street. The list goes on and on,” Shaw said.
“We are very proud of the work we have done over the last 40 years,” said Charlotte Hall, Executive Director of OTB. “As an advocate for small business, a strong partner with the city and city services, and a convener of problem solvers, OTB has been instrumental to our business community’s success. It’s now up to city leaders to decide how to organize Old Town businesses and develop responses to future economic downturns, crises, and disruptions. OTB provided solutions and funding mechanisms with the proposed Business Improvement Service District, but without dedicated revenue and a full staff, there is nothing more OTB can accomplish.”
