Bed-Stuy Gateway and the Fulton-Nostrand Revitalization Project

Mayor Bloomberg Signs Bed-Stuy Gateway BID Into Law!

New York City's 64th and Bloomberg's 20th Business Improvement District Will Create a First-Class Retail and Business Destination of Choice for Central Brooklyn 

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK - March 30, 2009 - Following a unanimous vote by the New York City Council, Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Monday signed the legislation establishing the Bed-Stuy Gateway Business Improvement District in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, New York City's 64th, and Mayor Bloomberg's 20th. Beginning in fall  2009, the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID will provide district management services to properties along Fulton Street between Classon and Troy Avenues and along Nostrand Avenue between Halsey Street and Atlantic Avenue.

A desire of many residents and property owners of Bedford-Stuyvesant for nearly 30 years, the newly formed Bed-Stuy Gateway BID covers a bustling business district centered on the Brooklyn intersection of Fulton Street and Nostrand Avenue - a multi-modal transit hub that experiences some of the borough's heaviest pedestrian traffic. 

With an annual budget of $675,000, the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID will be among the top 20 largest BIDs in New York City which range in annual budgets from $12 million to $95,000. The Bed-Stuy Gateway BID will provide a comprehensive suite of services, including: security, sidewalk sanitation and maintenance, marketing and beautification. The commercial district under the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID's management contains nearly 500,000 square feet of retail space located within a ten minute walk of nearly 100,000 residents.   

"I applaud Councilmember Al Vann, his colleagues at City Council and Mayor Bloomberg for partnering with the business and property owners of Bedford-Stuyvesant and allowing us to take some control over the safety, cleanliness and direction of the district that is our livelihood," remarked Edmon Braithwaite, co-chairman of the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID Steering Committee and owner of numerous businesses in the area. "Bedford-Stuyvesant business owners cannot afford to sit idly by as our potential customers are scared off by streets that are dirtier, less attractive and less safe than our competing areas. In these trying economic times, we need every competitive advantage we can get. The BID will allow us to control the experience our customers will have when they walk down our streets to visit to our stores."

"The formation of the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID is truly a result of grass-roots leadership wanting to effect positive change in their community," remarked Colvin Grannum, President/CEO of Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, a co-sponsor of the BID initiative. "Restoration is proud to have provided the technical assistance and support that was necessary to empower local leadership to push for the formation of the BID." 

The launch of the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID coincides with a $10 million streetscape beautification project (pictured above) that will enhance the visual appeal of the business district with the addition of two new public plazas, new sidewalks, trees, benches, additional lighting and other amenities. The Bed-Stuy Gateway Streetscape Beautification Project, which has funding from New York City, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Council Member Albert Vann and the New York City Department of Transportation, will break ground in the fall 2009. Construction is expected to last until early 2011.

About the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID Steering Committee
The initiative to form the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID is a program partnership between Fulton-Nostrand United Merchants Association and Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation. The initiative is led by a steering committee composed of individuals from both organizations and other leaders from throughout Bedford-Stuyvesant. The vision of the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID Steering Committee is to create a district that is the business and cultural destination of choice for all residents of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Clinton Hill, northern Crown Heights, Ocean Hill and Brownsville. The BID Steering Committee is committed to:

• A safe, clean and aesthetically attractive commercial and cultural destination;
• Fostering thriving and profitable businesses;
• Providing a variety of retail goods and services from a mixture of national brand and locally-based companies, including minority and women-owned small businesses;
• Valuing the diverse history, culture and styles of the residents of the Bedford-Stuyvesant and wider Central Brooklyn communities by offering goods and services that respond to the community's wants and desires.
  

About Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation     
Spearheaded by local activists and then crafted into legislation by Senators Robert F. Kennedy and Jacob Javits in 1967, Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation (Restoration) is the nation’s first community development corporation.  
Restoration is based on a truly visionary, history-making conception of community development, encompassing the whole of a community’s economy, health and family life and artistic expression. BSRC's mission is to improve the quality of life for all residents of the Bedford Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn by strengthening the local economy, family life and culture through a wide variety of programs and services in economic development, the arts, youth education, housing preservation and development.  

BID Coverage:
http://www.brooklyneagle.com/categories/category.php?category_id=5&id=27258
http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2009_releases/pr09-03-072.shtm
http://www.brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/2009/03/bed_stuy_bid_ge.php

Bed-Stuy Gateway BID Receives a Key Vote of Support From Brooklyn Community Board #3

At its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, May 5, 2008, Brooklyn Community Board #3 overwhelmingly voted to issue a letter of support for the proposal to create the Bed-Stuy Gateway Business Improvement District, a major step forward in making the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID a reality.

During the introduction to the evening's presentation, Bed-Stuy Gateway BID Steering Committee co-chair Edmon Braithwaite stated, "as a small business owner, I see the tremendous potential that this business district possesses as a destination for Central Brooklyn's residents. However, I also face the numerous but easily solved challenges that can be overcome through the comprehensive services of this proposed business improvement district. Through my involvement with the Fulton-Nostrand United Merchants Association (FNUMA) in the last few years, I have seen what our united collective action can achieve on even limited resources. This is why I support the creation of this BID."

Joel Dabu, commercial revitalization manager for Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation which is co-sponsor of the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID initiative with FNUMA, followed Mr. Braithwaite's introduction with a presentation on the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID proposal. After a roll call of members of the board, Mr. Richard Flateau, chair of the board's Economic Development Committee stated that his committee voted after its March meeting to recommend that the full board issue a letter of support in favor of the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID proposal, after which Community Board Second Vice-Chair Tohma Faulkner called for a vote. The final tally was 29 board members in favor, 0 members in opposition, 2 members in abstention and 1 board member who recused for conflict of interest. The required quorum of 26 board members was met.

The Bed-Stuy Gateway BID Steering Committee will hold two public hearings on the BID proposal on the following dates:

• Thursday, May 8, 2008 | 9am-11am | 1368 Fulton Street
• Wednesday, May 28, 2008 | 7pm-9pm | 1368 Fulton Street

Individuals wishing to comment on the BID proposal must sign up in the 30 minute period preceding the start of each respective meeting. Comments will be limited to two minutes per speaker.

To RSVP for one or more meetings, please call (718) 636-6910 or email FNRPintern1@restorationplaza.org.

Bed-Stuy Gateway BID Public Hearings

We invite area business owners and residents to attend the

Bed-Stuy Gateway BID Public Hearings

and learn about this initiative to revitalize the Bed-Stuy Gateway Business District (Fulton Street and Nostrand Avenue).

Choose one of the following meetings to attend:

1. Thursday, May 8, 2008; 9:00am-11:00am

Location: Billie Holiday Theater - 1368 Fulton Street - Brooklyn, NY 11216

2. Wednesday, May 28, 2008; 7:00pm-9:00pm

Location: Multipurpose Room - 1368 Fulton Street - Brooklyn, NY 11216

Please RSVP to (718) 636-6910 if you plan on attending one of our public hearings.

The Bed-Stuy Gateway BID Steering Committee proposes to create a Business Improvement District (BID) on Fulton Street (Classon Ave-Troy Ave) and Nostrand Avenue (Halsey St-Atlantic Ave). The Bed-Stuy Gateway BID proposes to provide the following services:

¨ Public Safety Patrols Seven Days a Week

¨ Street Maintenance Services that would include street sweeping, garbage bagging and the maintenance of lampposts and street furniture seven days a week

¨ Promotional and event marketing, arts and cultural festivals to promote shopping and

 cultural groups in the district

¨ Landscaping and beautification services

¨ Capital Improvements and installation of public amenities

The Bed-Stuy Gateway BID is a joint initiative of Fulton-Nostrand United Merchants Association and

Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation. For more information about the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID, please call (718) 636-6910 or visit www.BedStuyGateway.com.

About the Bed-Stuy Gateway Business Improvement District

 

The Vision of the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID Steering Committee:

We declare that the Bedford-Stuyvesant Gateway business district is the business and cultural destination of choice for all residents of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Clinton Hill, northern Crown Heights, Ocean Hill and Brownsville.

Through the services of the BID, We are committed to:
•      A safe, clean and aesthetically attractive commercial and cultural destination;
•      Fostering thriving and profitable businesses;
•      Providing a variety of retail goods and services from a mixture of national brand and locally-based companies, including minority and women-owned small businesses;
•    Valuing the diverse history, culture and styles of the residents of the Bedford-Stuyvesant and wider Central Brooklyn communities by offering goods and services that respond to the community’s wants and desires.

Jump to Sections:

• What is a BID and why form one now in Bedford-Stuyvesant?
• Facts about the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID
• FAQ's about BID's, by the New York City Department of Small Business Services
• Voice your support for the formation of the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID by signing our ballot and email/fax or mail it back to us. Click Here to download the Bed-Stuy Gateway Ballot Form PDF to your Computer. Print it out, fill in all fields (very important) and fax it to (718) 636-6903 or mail it back to us. For more information about the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID Formation Campaign, call (718) 636-6989 or email

Bed-Stuy Gateway BID in the Press/Media:
Link: Queens area fights to stay low-rise; another campaign for Bed-Stuy BID | Crain's New York Business (subscription required). PDF Version: Click Here to Download

PDF: New York Daily News - April 15, 2007 - Bed-Stuy in a BID for BIZ - by Rachel Monahan

PDF: Our Time Press - April 16, 2007 - Toast to Bedford-Stuyvesant a Success!

News 12 Brooklyn Reporter George Spencer Provides an Overview of the Proposal to Create the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID - first aired Monday, April 16, 2007. News 12 Brooklyn is available only on Cablevision and Time Warner Cable Systems in New York City.

FACTS ABOUT THE BED-STUY GATEWAY BID

ABOUT THE STEERING COMMITTEE

• Mr. Edmon Braithwaite (co-chair); Business Owner – Nostrand Wines & Liquors       

• Mr. Noah Katz (co-chair);Business Owner – Foodtown Supermarkets      

In addition to the co-chairs, the steering committee guiding the formation of the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID is comprised of twenty-three other individuals representing: property and business owners and residents within the proposed BID, leaders of Bedford-Stuyvesant civic and non-profit organizations, local clergy, real estate professionals and representatives of elected officials. The Bed-Stuy Gateway BID Steering Committee first convened on July 11, 2006.

Fulton-Nostrand United Merchants Association, assisted by Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, is the sponsoring organization of the initiative to form the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID.

VISION STATEMENT OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE (ADOPTED ON FEBRUARY 20, 2007)
"We declare that the Bedford-Stuyvesant Gateway Business District is the business and cultural destination of choice for all residents of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Clinton Hill, northern Crown Heights, Ocean Hill and Brownsville.
Through the services of the BID, We are committed to:
•      A safe, clean and aesthetically attractive commercial and cultural destination;
•      Fostering thriving and profitable businesses;
•      Providing a variety of retail goods and services from a mixture of national brand and locally-based companies, including minority and women-owned small businesses;
•      Valuing the diverse history, culture and styles of the residents of the Bedford-Stuyvesant and wider Central Brooklyn communities by offering goods and services that respond to the community’s wants and desires.”

WHAT WILL THE BID PROVIDE?
In addition to the basic services provided by the City, the BID will provide:
•    Street/Sidewalk Maintenance and Sanitation (Street/sidewalk sweeping, garbage bagging and the maintenance of lampposts and street furniture at least eight hours a day, seven days a week, powerwashing of dirty sidewalks)
•    Graffiti removal
•    Public safety patrols seven days a week
•    Promotional and event marketing, i.e. arts and cultural festivals, to promote businesses and cultural amenities in the district
•    Landscaping and Beautification of the Streetscape
•    Capital improvements

PROPOSED FIRST YEAR BUDGET FOR THE BID
•    To cover the costs of the services listed above, the Bed Stuy Gateway BID Steering Committee has approved an annual budget of approximately $675,000
•    The median annual BID assessment is approximately $1,192 approximately or $99/month for a typical 20-foot wide storefront.

ASSESSMENT FORMULA
•    The assessment for each property within the district is based on lot frontage on Fulton St. or Nostrand Ave.
•    The rate is approximately $60 a front foot for commercial or mixed-use property
•    The typical storefront along Fulton Street and Nostrand Avenue is 20 feet wide, so that owner would be assessed approximately $1,200 a year based on the above rate
•    Strictly residential properties are assessed $1 a year
•    Government and Non-Profit properties classified as “Public Facilities” are exempt

BID AREA PROPERTY CHARACTERISTICS
•    There are 368 properties within the boundaries of the BID, with 28 being either exempt or residential paying $1/year (leaving 340 to be assessed based on the formula). These 368 properties are represented by 267 property owners or property owning entities.
•    To be considered for approval by the City, the BID process must demonstrate widespread approval from the property owners within the proposed district.

BID BOUNDARIES
The proposed district includes:
•    Properties lining the north and south sides of Fulton Street, from the east side of Classon Avenue to the west side of Albany Avenue;
•    Properties lining the north side of Fulton Street from the east side of Albany Avenue to the west side of Marcus Garvey Boulevard;
•    Properties lining the south side of Fulton Street from the east side of Albany Avenue to the west side of Troy/Lewis Avenue;
•    Properties lining the east and west sides of Nostrand Avenue, from the south side of Halsey Street to the north side of Atlantic Avenue.

Jump to Sections:

• About the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID Homepage
• What is a BID and why form one now in Bedford-Stuyvesant?
• Facts about the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID
• FAQ's about BID's, by the New York City Department of Small Business Services
• Voice your support for the formation of the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID by signing our ballot and email/fax or mail it back to us.