Dobbewijk Business Investment Zone Extended

January 28, 2022, 9:01 a.m.

A recent survey of business owners at the Dobbewijk business park showed that the majority are in favor of extending the Business Investment Zone (BIZ). The new 5-year BIZ period began on January 1, 2022.

The BIZ is a mechanism that allows for the imposition of a levy on businesses (BIZ contribution) within a defined area. The funds collected through this mechanism are made available to the businesses (BIZ Association Dobbewijk), which use them to improve the quality of public spaces and/or to advance shared interests within the business park.

Goals and Wishes

Over the past few months, we have spoken with many business owners and distributed flyers. The goal was to explore everyone’s ambitions and wishes regarding the extension of the Dobbewijk BIZ. In addition, a survey was conducted via email among the business owners, asking whether they were in favor of, opposed to, or still undecided about extending the BIZ. The outcome of this “informal” support survey was decisive in the municipality’s decision to organize the formal support survey (vote) at the end of November. The notary then counted the votes. A total of 95 votes were cast. This represents a 58% response rate, which meets the minimum requirement of 50%.

Support Survey

To achieve sufficient support, at least two-thirds of the votes cast had to be “in favor” of the BIZ. The support survey showed that this majority was achieved and that those who voted in favor represent a higher property tax value than those who voted against, meaning that, in accordance with legal provisions, there is sufficient support for the extension of the BIZ at the Dobbewijk business park. The new BIZ term began on January 1, 2022. Mark van Rooyen, chair of the Dobbewijk BIZ Association, and Alderman De Bruijn are proud of the result.“Over the past five years, the business owners in Dobbewijk have invested in a safe and clean working environment. To continue these efforts, to undertake new initiatives, and to ensure a favorable business climate, the continued existence of the Dobbewijk BIZ is essential.”