"The first bill before me today is Introductory Number 411, sponsored at the request of the Administration by Council Members Weprin and James.  This bill establishes the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Business Improvement District.

"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 Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn BID will provide maintenance and sanitation services, holiday lighting and decoration, marketing and promotion of the shopping strip, beautification of the Avenue, administration, and other such activities as are required for the promotion and enhancement of the district.  The services provided to the communities are essential to ensuring those 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.  This bill 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 47th BID through the approval process.  I also want to acknowledge the important contribution of the members of the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn BID Steering Committee, led by Council Member Letitia James. Additionally, I want to thank Council Member Weprin for his work on this bill."