Draft plans for Hamilton’s culturally distinct North East district remain months from completion as the team in charge continues to field responses from the community.

The details came as the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) acknowledged the financial struggles confronted by businesses in the area.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Planning said drafting a policy for the area was an “act of balance” to take account of differing views.

The team is expected to shift by the autumn from gathering information to drafting policy.

Responding to challenges reported by area businesses in Tuesday’s edition of The Royal Gazette, planning director Aideen Ratteray Pryse urged those not yet contacted to send in their feedback for a plan to “manage and facilitate development in accordance with the community’s vision”.

Workshops and presentations have been held over the past two months, but Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy said that with the close last week of initial consultation, the department was still aware not all had been reached.

“Public input is crucial in creating a plan that responds to the needs of the community stakeholders and protects the unique heritage of the area,” Senator Fahy said.

The article also prompted Ray Jones, director of finance for the BEDC, to call for business owners requiring advice to contact the organisation at 292-5570.

The BEDC’s economic development officer called on 54 area businesses between December 2014 and May 2015. The group also has representatives on the committees held by the Corporation of Hamilton advocating for North East Hamilton.

According to BEDC executive director Erica Smith, the group maintains a database of more than 200 businesses in the area’s Economic Empowerment Zone.

Registration is not mandatory, she said, but the BEDC adds and removes businesses from its list as it learns of establishments opening or closing.

A representative conducts a weekly walkabout in the area.

Ms Smith said the BEDC had launched a business register earlier this year to get small and medium-sized businesses signed up. At present, registration is free, but an annual fee will be introduced this October.

The service will grant access to the BEDC’s insurance on business deposits in banks, once the service comes online.

Ms Smith said the BEDC offered free hour-long advisory meetings to anyone seeking to start a business.

“Visits have highlighted that businesses are struggling financially, and we are doing all we can to assist with advice and financial support as needed,” she said.

Parking, particularly adjustment to paid parking, has also been raised as a key issue for the area.

Ms Smith said the BEDC was pushing for public transportation to come through the area, as all present routes are “on the periphery, missing the zone completely”.

A trial run late last year showed that buses could successfully negotiate the area, and Ms Smith said the BEDC was now working to have routes from the east and west to and from the Hamilton terminal stopping at key points in North East Hamilton.

“We are also working with the Corporation to determine where these stops should be placed, and the cost for infrastructure work such as curb cuts and poles,” she said.