I originally didn't intend to speak tonight, but when the employee from Downtown presenting the 6-month-review of the Social District revealed that all businesses and patrons had been offered multiple surveys since the Social District's implementation, while residents never received even a notification of the District's initial consideration, I pulled out my phone and composed a public comment, which I gave shortly thereafter.

"Good evening, Madam Mayor and Board of Commissioners. My name is Abby Black.

When the Social District was introduced for consideration in June, I was surprised, for I had heard nothing of a Social District in the works. When I went online to learn more, I discovered that while the Town was constantly reaching out for resident feedback on park developements, and annoucning upcoming Downtown and park events, there were exactly zero announcements that a Social District was coming. No open houses. No resident feedback requests.

I composed my own resident survey and door knocked up and down my street, I discovered that the majority of residents who answered the survey had no idea what a Social District even was, much less that the Town was considering one. My survey concluded that about half of residents on my street were not in favor of a Social District. I presented my findings to the Board at the June Board of Commissioners meeting, and asked for at least one open house or survey before the Board voted on the district.

Now, almost six months later, while Downtown businesses and patrons have received numerous surveys, there has still been nothing asked of the residents who live within walking distance of Downtown. What do those residents think of the Social District? No one knows, because they haven't been asked since I invested my time to consult with my neighbors back in June.

I am disappointed in the lack of Town outreach. I would like to see more engagement with Town residents, whether they do or do not participate in Town events.

Thank you for your time."