By Brenda Flanagan
Correspondent
A rebellion’s gaining ground in Rutherford, with a rebel flag — “Ban SID.” It’s taped to many shop windows along Park Avenue by exasperated business owners who want to abolish SID — Rutherford’s Special Improvement District.
“Well, I feel it’s taxation without representation. We’re being taxed and no one’s listening to the members. We are a member organization,” said property owner Vinnie Laborim.
SID’s responsible for improving business in downtown Rutherford through advertising, events and social media. It’s funded by businesses within the district. Every shop and property owner must join and must pay a yearly license fee — a couple hundred bucks.
On top of that, property owners must also pay thousands in extra taxes. And SID rules state its members cannot quit.
“They won’t release us. To me, that’s like being a hostage,” said Park Avenue Pets owner Joe Tantullo.
“I never wanted to join. They made us join. They forced this down our throat,” said Joe Bologna, Rutherford Florist owner.
Florist Bologna says about 300 out of the 400 SID members simply stopped paying their license fees. A list shows some scofflaws owe more than a thousand bucks and refuse to pony up for services they didn’t receive.
“Because we get nothing out of it. It costs us a fortune in tax money. And there are more empty stores on Park Ave. than ever,” Bologna said.
“If it’s for our benefit and we’re telling you it’s not working, but thank you we don’t went it any more. They won’t do it,” said Park Avenue Pets owner Joe Tantullo.
But some businesses detest the “Ban SID” posters.
“I don’t like any negative signs,” said Barry Goffin.
Hallmark Card Shop owner Goffin thinks the “Ban SID” movement’s tantamount to treason. He notes 1,200 SIDs help improve downtowns across the country — and Rutherford’s should be preserved.
“It is the only tool that’s being offered as an ordinance to downtowns across the country,” he said.
Disgruntled shop owners sent Borough Hall a petition with 111 signatures demanding the mayor and council abolish Rutherford’s 17-year-old SID.
Mayor Joe DeSalvo told us, “I understand 100 percent their side. They have a good point, but we have to do due diligence to make the right decision.” DeSalvo drafted a committee to study the situation. The rebels are losing patience.
“Look into our grievances. Get the members, the property owners involved. Come up with a solution,” said Vinnie Laborim.
They say you can’t fight City Hall. Maybe so, but angry business people here are lawyered up and planning their own version of the Boston Tea Party.