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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 357-04
December 21, 2004

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION ESTABLISHING FORDHAM ROAD AND QUEENS PLAZA/COURT SQUARE BIDS

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

“The first two bills before me today are Introductory number 452, which establishes the Fordham Road Business Improvement District in the borough of the Bronx, and Introductory Number 435, which establishes the Queens Plaza/Court Square Business Improvement District in the borough of Queens. Intro. 452 is sponsored at the request of the Administration by Council Members Weprin, Rivera, Baez, Koppell, Seabrook, Sanders and Boyland. Intro. 435 is sponsored at the request of the Administration by Council Members Weprin, Gioia and Boyland.

“Business Improvement Districts – also known as BIDs – are community organizations that are voluntarily formed to 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 Fordham Road and Queens Plaza/Court Square BIDs will provide maintenance and sanitation services, holiday lighting and decoration, marketing and promotion of their shopping strips, beautification of their communities, administration, and other such activities as are required for the promotion and enhancement of the districts.  The services provided to the communities by BIDs are essential to ensuring small businesses, and the neighborhoods in which they operate, are given every opportunity to succeed. 

“BIDs are a proven example of how public/private partnerships can promote economic development.  These bills will further the fundamental role that BIDs have played in the economic development of our neighborhoods and in the renaissance of New York City.

“I would like to thank Rob Walsh, the Commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services and his staff for their role in shepherding the City’s 49th and 50th BIDs through the approval process.  I also want to acknowledge the members of the Fordham Road and Queens Plaza/ Court Square Steering Committees, and Council Members Weprin, Rivera, Baez and Gioia for their important contributions throughout this process.”







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