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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 448-07
December 5, 2007

MAYOR BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION INCREASING ANNUAL EXPENDITURE AT TEN BIDS AND ONE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

"The next bill before me today is Introductory Number 636, sponsored at the request of our Administration by Council Members Weprin, James, and Palma.  Introductory Number 636 increases the annual expenditure for ten Business Improvement Districts and one Special Assessment District.

"Business Improvement Districts, also known as "BIDs," are voluntarily formed community organizations that promote business development and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods across the City.  Established by local law, BIDs are self-funded by local property owners and are overseen by the City's Department of Small Business Services.

"To date, fourteen BIDs have been established under our Administration, which provide maintenance and sanitation services, security services, marketing and promotion of local businesses, holiday lighting, economic development, beautification, and landscaping to a variety of neighborhoods.  The services provided to the community are essential to ensuring that small businesses, and the neighborhoods in which they operate, are given every opportunity to thrive.

"Considered to be the forerunners of BIDs, Special Assessment Districts were created by the State Legislature prior to 1981, when the authority was granted to the City to create Business Improvement Districts. 

"Introductory Number 636 increases the annual assessment amount of the following BIDs: Times Square, 34th Street, Lower East Side, Fifth Avenue, Fashion Center, Grand Street, 125th Street, White Plains Road, East Mid-Manhattan, and Myrtle Avenue. It also increases the assessment for the Fulton Mall Special Assessment District.

"I would like to thank Commissioner of Small Business Services Rob Walsh and his staff for working together with the communities to help strengthen and expand services in these BIDs. I would also like to thank the Council for approving this legislation."







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Stu Loeser/Matthew Kelly   (212) 788-2958




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