If N.I.C.E. loses, the Point could see a wave of volunteer burnout. "Yes on N.I.C.E." could quickly turn to "screw this" among long-time leaders. That's the consensus of four people I talked to this morning.

On the other hand, a few people who are now skeptical of N.I.C.E. think a new, reformed proposal for a business-improvement district could rise from the wreckage.

Rosamaria's Cafe owner Mike Nova, for one, is noodling on an idea for a voluntary district.

Whatever plan comes along, at least this time everyone will be paying attention from the start.