The South Suburban Chamber of Commerce, which promotes the business community in Oak Creek and Franklin, is exploring the creation of a business improvement district on 27th Street.

A business improvement district would use special assessments or fees from nearby businesses to fund improvements, such as streetscape upgrades, and special events. With the number of businesses on 27th Street, the fee would be minimal, said Mark Hansen, president of the Chamber and director of sales and marketing at Staybridge Suites on 27th Street in Franklin.

The chamber’s legislative committee is forming an exploratory committee to examine the idea, but early reaction from the municipalities – which would have to approve them – has been nothing but positive, Hansen said.

“From a personal standpoint, I think the business improvement district would be a fantastic way to start growing the 27th Street corridor,” Hansen said.

Such a district would also give the business community an important voice in 27th Street improvements, Hansen said.

The Historic Highway 41 business improvement district, which includes 27th Street between Oklahoma Ave. and College Ave. in Milwaukee and Greenfield, is an example of what could occur in Oak Creek and Franklin. There are a number of streetscape elements, including plantings and special signage, along that stretch of 27th.

RELATED COVERAGE: Oak Creek officials bullish on 27th Street redevelopment.