Printer Friendly Format
  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2002
PR-116-02
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG AND DBS COMMISSIONER ROBERT WALSH ANNOUNCE EIGHT INITIATIVES DESIGNED TO BOOST THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Department of Business Services (DBS) Commissioner Robert Walsh today announced eight new policies and initiatives designed to boost the positive impact of Business Improvements Districts (BIDs) on the City's economy and its neighborhoods. The City's plan, highlighted by Mayor Bloomberg, includes assessment increases for qualified BIDs, a streamlined process for forming new BIDs, lengthened contract renewals, and the reduction of red tape and paperwork.

In his State of the City address in January, the Mayor pledged his support for strengthening New York's BIDs and stressed the important role that local businesses play in the City's economic health. Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Rebuilding Daniel Doctoroff, and representatives of the BIDs from across the City attended the announcement in Brooklyn.

"Business Improvement Districts have played a fundamental role in the renaissance of New York City," said Mayor Bloomberg. "By working to improve business conditions and quality of life, BIDs are a proven example of how public/private partnerships can promote economic development. The City is committed to working with the BIDs to ensure that small businesses, and the neighborhoods in which they operate, are given every opportunity to succeed. These proposals seek to empower the BIDS so their partnership with the City can continue to grow and improve."

There are currently forty-four BIDs located throughout the City. Formed out of public/private initiatives, BIDs complement commercial districts and neighborhoods with supplemental services like sidewalk sweeping, public safety officers, street landscaping and guides for restaurants and shopping.

"From the heart of Times Square to Kingsbridge Road in the Bronx, New York City's BIDs have made the city a better place to work, shop and play," said Deputy Mayor Doctoroff. "BIDs have played an integral role in the economic development of our neighborhoods and the BID policy we announced today is indicative of the great work they have done to date and the key role BIDs will play in the City's future growth."

"By embracing business improvement districts early on, the Mayor has delivered," said DBS Commissioner Walsh. "Working in partnership with the private sector, we will make New York City the premiere place in the country to own and operate a small business. The actions outlined today will be implemented and will produce real results for our City's small business community and neighborhoods."

"We appreciate the City's recognition of our value and our contributions, and we fully accept the Mayor's invitation and challenge to continue to make our communities better places to live and do business," said President of the BID Managers Association Carl Weisbrod.

Building on the impressive track record of New York City's BIDs, the Department of Business Services will implement eight initiatives, which include:

The Department of Business Services serves New York City businesses with particular emphasis on small, minority and women-owned businesses. DBS provides a variety of services including technical and business assistance, while administering neighborhood development programs and encouraging small businesses to participate in the City's procurement process.

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Ed Skyler / Jennifer Falk
(212) 788-2958
  Dawn Schneider (DBS)
(212) 618-8749