"The next bill before me today is Introductory Number 578, sponsored at the request of the Administration, by Council Members Weprin and Comrie.  This bill provides for an increase in the amount to be expended in the 82nd Street Business Improvement District and the Jamaica Center Mall Special Assessment District.

"The City's Business Improvement Districts - known as BIDs - supplement city sanitation and public safety services, promote businesses through marketing initiatives and public events, enhance the City's environment through streetscape improvement projects, and engage the local community through internship programs. In addition, BIDs, working with City government, create jobs, improve the quality of life for New Yorkers and visitors, enhance the City's tax base, and strengthen the local economy.

"Two BIDs have requested an increase in the amount to be expended annually for the fiscal year that began July 1, 2004: the 82nd Street BID, from $187,000 to $194,900; and the Jamaica Center Mall Special Assessment District, from $590,000 to $737,500.  These increases of annual expenditures will help to further expand, reinforce and strengthen existing core services currently provided in the business districts.

"I would like to thank Rob Walsh, the Commissioner of Small Businesses Services, and his staff for their continued work on improving the quality of life in the city through the development and expansion of Business Improvement Districts.  I would also like to thank the Council for their support on this bill."