“The next four bills before me today all relate to Business Improvement Districts (also known as BIDs).  One bill creates a new BID and the three others increase the annual expenditures in thirteen BIDs and one special assessment district.

“Introductory Number 345 is sponsored at the request of the administration by Council Members Weprin, Quinn, Lopez, Reed, Sanders, and the Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum.  This bill establishes the Madison/23rd/Flatiron/Chelsea BID.  This will be the City’s 53rd BID and will greatly enhance services provided in the area.

 “Introductory Numbers, 751, 762, and 763 are sponsored by Council Members Weprin, Gerson, Nelson, Sanders, Seabrook, and Jackson.  They increase the amount to be expended in the following districts:
 
Metrotech Area BID
34th Street BID
Grand Central BID
Woodhaven BID
Fifth Avenue BID
Fashion Center BID
Grand Street BID
125th Street BID
Washington Heights BID
Downtown-Lower Manhattan BID
Kings Highway BID
14th Street Union Square BID
Times Square BID, and
The Fulton Mall Special Assessment District
 

“These increases of annual expenditures will help to further expand, reinforce and strengthen existing core services currently provided by BIDs in these areas.

“I would like to thank Department of Small Businesses Services and the Council for their work on this bill.”