"The final bill before me is Introductory Number 437, sponsored at the request of the Administration by Council Members Recchia, Comrie, Koslowitz, Nelson, Seabrook, Rose, and Koo.  Introductory Number 437 increases the annual expenditure for seven Business Improvement Districts.

"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, twenty 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 succeed.

"Introductory Number 437 increases the annual assessment amount of the following BIDs: Times Square, Fifth Avenue, Fashion Center, and 125th Street in Manhattan, the HUB/Third Avenue BID in the Bronx, and the Brighton Beach and Myrtle Avenue BIDs in Brooklyn.

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