BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
ECONOMIC/WATERFRONT/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & HOUSING COMMITTEE
MARCH 18, 2013
ATTENDANCE
PRESENT:
N. BERK-RAUCH R. CERVONE N. COX L. DEROSA V. HERMANIA D. KIKEL
A. KOZYR R. LUFTGLASS
EXCUSED:
R. BASHNER F. BROWN A. KRASNOW P. MINDLIN D. SCOTTO L. SONES
ABSENT:
L. BUFFINGTON A. DAVILA E. DEMETRIOU J. FRANCIS G. O’CONNELL D. ORTIZ
M. SCOTT
GUESTS:
D. BRAVO
MINUTES
Presentation and discussion with representatives for the Park Slope Chamber of Commerce on the proposed formation of a new business improvement district for 7th Avenue, from St. Johns Place to 16th Street.
• Mark Caserta, consultant for the Park Slope Chamber of Commerce and the Park Slope 5th Avenue Business Improvement District (BID), gave a presentation about BIDs and the proposal to create a new BID for 7th Avenue. He explained that BIDs are established by local merchants to improve the business climate and quality of life. They are financed by property owners along the designated street(s) through a special assessment. The intention of the 7th Avenue BID is to improve the cleanliness of streets and sidewalks, beautify and green the area, produce promotional events and guides, and provide additional security. They do not replace regular city-financed services such as sanitation, but supplement them and serve the priorities identified by merchants. The budget for the BID would be approximately $300,000. • The assessment is based on property size, using a formula that combines frontage (linear feet along the street) and commercial square footage. • BIDs are nonprofit organizations governed by a District Management Association, which is responsible for delivering services and coordinating with city agencies. • Irene LoRe, former business owner and current Executive Director of the Fifth Avenue BID, noted that BIDs benefit not only the merchants, but all local residents and people who shop and dine locally. BIDs help keep districts vital and are part of the economy of a neighborhood.
• The Chamber of Commerce has been reaching out to all merchants and property owners through mail and in-person, although there are challenges in identifying some property owners. A majority of the owners must agree to the formation, and there will be a formal public hearing.
Presentation and discussion with representatives of the existing business improvement districts (BIDs) serving the district.
• Representatives of the three existing BIDs in Community Board 6 (Atlantic Avenue BID, North Flatbush Avenue BID, and the Park Slope 5th Avenue BID) gave overviews of their activities and how they have been serving merchants and local residents. • Significant accomplishments and changes along Flatbush and 5th Avenue were highlighted. • The representative of the Atlantic Avenue BID, which is the newest (formed last year), explained current and planned activities and services being provided.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Minutes were submitted by Rick Luftglass