"The first of five bills before me today is Introductory Number 808, sponsored at the request of the Administration by Council Members Weprin and Rivera. This bill establishes the Belmont Business Improvement District in the Borough of the Bronx.

"This new Business Improvement District is comprised of over 350 businesses including restaurants, specialty food stores, clothing shops, mom and pop retails and convenience stores within the 'Little Italy' section of the Bronx. The BID also includes a branch of the New York City Public Library and Mount Carmel Church. The budget for the first year of operation is $340,000.

"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.

"The Belmont BID, the seventeenth established under our Administration, will provide maintenance and sanitation services, security services, marketing and promotion of local businesses, holiday lighting, economic development, beautification and landscaping. 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 succeed.

"I would like to thank Small Business Services Commissioner Rob Walsh and his staff for their role in establishing this BID. I also want to acknowledge the important contributions of the members of the Belmont BID Steering Committee and the City Council."