"The third bill before me today is Introductory Number 724, sponsored at the request of the Administration by Council Members Weprin, Gonzalez, James, de Blasio and Yassky.  This bill establishes the Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District in the Borough of Brooklyn.

"This new Business Improvement District will serve approximately 900 businesses including restaurants, furniture stores, clothing shops, hair salons, spas, mom and pop retails and other retail outlets within the boundaries of 5th Avenue from Dean Street to 18th Street. The budget for the first year of operation is $300,000.

"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.

"The Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID, the 16th established under our Administration, will provide maintenance and sanitation services, security services, marketing and promotion of local businesses, holiday lighting, economic development, beautification and landscaping.  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.

"I would like to thank Small Business Services Commissioner Rob Walsh and his staff for their role in establishing this BID.  I also want to acknowledge the important contributions of the members of the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID Steering Committee and the City Council."