New York City Council
Committee on Small Business
Feb 29, 2024
·
01:00 PM
1 hr 26 min
Summary
A hearing on enhancing and supporting Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in New York City, focusing on the important role of BIDs in promoting local commerce, the challenges they face, especially post-pandemic, and methods for their development and support through the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) initiatives and grants. Features testimony from the Department of Small Business Services, executives from various BIDs, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Oswald Feliz opens small business committee meeting on Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)
Council Member Oswald Feliz inaugurates his first small business committee meeting, focusing on the enhancement of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in New York City. - Feliz underscores the vital role …
0:01:05
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3 min
Calvin T. Brown, Deputy Commissioner for Neighborhood Development, NYC Department of Small Business Services on the Expansion and Support of Business Improvement Districts
Calvin T. Brown discusses the Department of Small Business Services' efforts to support and expand Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in New York City. - Highlights the historical growth of BIDs …
0:06:31
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7 min
How are Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) funded?
The Deputy Commissioner explains that Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are primarily funded through assessments, donations, grants, and a specific small bid grant initiative. - BIDs' budgets are majorly funded through …
0:14:38
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32 sec
What are the average, largest, and smallest BID budgets?
Deputy Commissioner Calvin T. Brown explains that the median budget of a Business Improvement District (BID) is approximately $529,000, with the smallest at $73,000 and the largest at $20,000,000. - …
0:15:10
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29 sec
What is the difference between Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and Merchant Associations?
Deputy Commissioner Calvin T. Brown explains the difference between Business Improve Districts (BIDs) and Merchant Associations. - Merchant Associations are voluntary organizations that support merchants within a specific geography. - …
0:15:41
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29 sec
What are the processes required to form a Business Improvement District (BID)?
Calvin T. Brown explains the Business Improvement District (BID) formation process, emphasizing its community-driven nature. - The process requires broad-based community support. - Stakeholders within an identified geography consolidate to …
0:16:14
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30 sec
What resources does the NYC Department of Small Business Services provide for forming a Business Improvement District (BID)?
The NYC Department of Small Business Services offers extensive resources and technical assistance to neighborhoods interested in forming a Business Improvement District (BID). - The department provides technical assistance to …
0:16:46
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38 sec
What are the obstacles in forming a business improvement district (BID) and what resources are available to overcome them?
Deputy Commissioner Calvin T. Brown discusses the challenge of attaining broad support for business improvement district (BID) formation and the educational resources provided to address this. - A major obstacle …
0:17:29
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38 sec
How does location and other factors affect the distribution of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) across NYC boroughs?
Deputy Commissioner Calvin T. Brown explains that the distribution of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) across NYC boroughs is primarily influenced by location and the presence of commercial corridors. - The …
0:18:10
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78 sec
How many Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) have been formed in New York City in the last 5 years, and what is their future potential?
Two Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) have been formed in New York City in the last two years, with 10 more in the pipeline. - Deputy Commissioner Calvin T. Brown reports …
0:19:28
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33 sec
What support is available for commercial corridors without a Business Improvement District (BID)?
The NYC Department of Small Business Services provides guidance and resources for commercial corridors looking to establish a Business Improvement District (BID). - Deputy Commissioner Calvin T. Brown offers support …
0:20:02
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74 sec
What resources are available for communities without a Business Improvement District (BID)?
The NYC Department of Small Business Services offers support to communities without a Business Improvement District (BID) through the Avenue NYC Grant, and a tool known as the Commercial District …
0:21:17
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39 sec
What is the total budget for the Small Business Services (SBS) and grants for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)?
Deputy Commissioner Brown provides the budget for transport bids but does not provide the total Small Business Services (SBS) Agency budget. - The budget for transport bids is $5,300,000, supporting …
0:22:03
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37 sec
What grants are popular among businesses and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)?
Deputy Commissioner Calvin T. Brown identifies the small BID grant and the Neighborhood 360 in Avenue NYC grant as popular among businesses and BIDs. - Small bid grants are highly …
0:22:41
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32 sec
Which business improvement districts (BIDs) exist in Queens and what efforts are being made to revitalize certain areas?
Council Member Vickie Paladino inquires about the existing BIDs in Queens and discusses potential revitalization strategies with Deputy Commissioner Calvin T. Brown. - Deputy Commissioner Brown names several BIDs within …
0:23:40
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3 min
What is the role of beautification in small business improvement districts?
Beautification is highlighted as a key component of small business improvement districts, supported by extra resources for enhancing storefront appearances. - The Deputy Commissioner for Neighborhood Development discusses the importance …
0:27:39
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44 sec
How can residential neighborhoods establish Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)?
Deputy Commissioner Calvin T. Brown notes that current Business Improvement District (BID) legislation primarily requires commercial property owners for establishment, indicating a need for further discussion to adapt BIDs for …
0:28:32
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3 min
How does the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) inform local Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and small business owners about grant opportunities?
Deputy Commissioner Calvin T. Brown outlines the Department of Small Business Services' (SBS) strategy for notifying local Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and small business owners about grant opportunities. - Notices …
0:32:39
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54 sec
What is the grant application process for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)?
The grant application process for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) varies, including support on procurement and document preparation, with reimbursements given post-execution of the work. - The application process is contingent …
0:33:35
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91 sec
How long does it take for applicants to be reimbursed after completing all requirements?
Applicants are generally reimbursed within 6 to 10 days after all invoices have been received, barring any technical issues. - Reimbursement occurs 6 to 10 days after all required invoices …
0:35:07
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27 sec
What support is available for smaller Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) with staffing challenges?
The NYC Department of Small Business Services provides one-on-one support to smaller Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) experiencing staffing challenges, focusing on financial operations and contractual processes. - The department acknowledges …
0:35:35
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108 sec
Shekar Krishnan on the issues with the contracting, reimbursement, and registration process es for nonprofit organizations
Shekar Krishnan discusses the challenges nonprofit organizations face with contracting, reimbursement, and registration processes. - Krishnan highlights the issues in the contracting and reimbursement processes as major challenges for nonprofits, …
0:37:37
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80 sec
How are funds allocated and tracked for business improvement districts in NYC?
The Department of Small Business Services keeps track of funds allocated to business improvement districts through scope of work documentation, invoices, and audits. - Funds for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) …
0:39:13
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109 sec
How are BID budgets and expenditures audited and accounted for in New York City?
NYC Department of Small Business Services receives and audits invoices and budgets from bids to ensure accountability. - Bids provide invoices and budgets to the Department of Small Business Services …
0:41:24
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100 sec
Are there grants available to support smaller Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in resources?
Deputy Commissioner Calvin T. Brown confirms the existence of support for small BIDs, emphasizing the bid support team's role in aiding these districts. - The Department of Small Business Services …
0:43:11
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68 sec
Have grants been considered to establish a minimum funding level for specific BIDs?
Deputy Commissioner Calvin T. Brown acknowledges the idea of using grants to set funding floors for specific bids as unexplored but is open to further discussion. - Council Member Oswald …
0:44:21
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35 sec
What is the available funding and maximum grant for the small BID support grant program?
The small bid support grant program has a budget of $5,300,000, and a bid can receive up to $100,000 based on their proposal’s evaluation. - The program's total budget is …
0:45:05
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46 sec
What is the minimum award under the program, and how is the amount determined?
Calvin T. Brown explains the amount awarded under the program is based on the scope of work and need, ensuring a minimum of $50,000. - The amount awarded is determined …
0:45:52
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43 sec
What needs are covered by the Small BID Support Grant Program?
The Small BID Support Grant Program enables business improvement districts to enhance their services like sanitation, marketing, and beautification without raising assessment costs. - Grants allow districts to amplify their …
0:46:35
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45 sec
What are the stipulations for grant usage and is there an option for multiple applications within a year?
Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) have one opportunity annually to apply for grants, which must align with Neighborhood 360 rules. - Grants operate on a fiscal year basis, permitting only a …
0:47:21
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58 sec
What is the overall feedback from small Business Improvement Districts on funding, and what challenges do they face?
Small Business Improvement Districts report positive feedback on funding but face challenges with timelines. - Deputy Commissioner Calvin T. Brown acknowledges delays in funding timelines. - Efforts are underway to …
0:48:21
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45 sec
What are the challenges in the grant application process and fund release?
Deputy Commissioner Calvin T. Brown discusses delays in the grant application and fund release process due to Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) OTP spending freezes and document requirements. - …
0:49:07
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58 sec
How are BID Development and Exploration grants allocated by the NYC Department of Small Business Services in FY 24?
Currently in FY 24, the NYC Department of Small Business Services has awarded grants to 14 organizations for bid development and exploration, supporting the formation and assessment of Business Improvement …
0:50:05
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83 sec
What are the funding requirements for bid development grants?
Deputy Commissioner Calvin T. Brown explains that to receive bid development grants, an organization must be a 501(c)(3). - Only 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible for bid development grants. - An …
0:51:29
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42 sec
What is the available funding for BID development grants and the maximum and minimum amounts receivable?
Deputy Commissioner Calvin T. Brown clarifies that for bid development grants, organizations can receive up to $100,000 for BID formation and $20,000 for BID exploration. - For BID exploration, organizations …
0:52:12
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37 sec
What is covered under the exploration stage in BID development, and how does the BID formation process vary by phase?
Deputy Commissioner Calvin T. Brown outlines the exploration stage in bid development and the variation in the bid formation process by phase. - The exploration stage includes conducting a neighborhood …
0:52:49
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70 sec
What is the overall feedback on the grant for bid development?
Deputy Commissioner Calvin T. Brown reports that the feedback on the grant for bid development has been amazing. - Feedback from business improvement districts and community members is highly positive. …
0:54:00
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28 sec
Has any BID funding been halted due to Program to Eliminate the Gap (PEG) efforts, and how has the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) been affected?
Neighborhood development within the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) experiences minimal impact from Program to Eliminate the Gap (PEG) efforts, and BID grant funding remains unaffected. - Deputy Commissioner …
0:54:32
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30 sec
Are there any grants specifically for safety and quality of life in NYC's commercial areas?
Deputy Commissioner Brown discusses non-grant efforts by the NYC Department of Small Business Services to address safety and quality of life issues, including a retail theft task force and community …
0:55:05
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83 sec
What new grant opportunities are available for enhancing commercial corridors in NYC?
Deputy Commissioner Calvin T. Brown introduces the new commercial district lighting grant among others, designed to brighten and identify commercial corridors. - Grants like Avenue NYC and Neighborhood 360 support …
0:56:31
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68 sec
What are the benefits and services of the Avenue NYC and Neighborhood 360 programs?
Avenue NYC and Neighborhood 360 programs build organizational capacity by providing grants that require hiring a full-time dedicated person to manage and enhance small business and commercial corridor development. - …
0:57:38
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87 sec
How can commercial corridors with high vacancies obtain grants?
Deputy Commissioner Calvin T. Brown discusses the role of commercial district needs assessment in identifying interventions for commercial corridors with high vacancy rates and facilitating grant access. - Commercial district …
0:59:07
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50 sec
Vickie Paladino on Reducing High Start-Up Costs for Business Improvement Districts
Vickie Paladino discusses the obstacles to starting Business Improvement Districts due to high start-up costs and emphasizes the need for investment and participation. - Expresses concern over high organization fees …
1:00:05
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92 sec
Rafael Moure, District Manager, Bronx Community Board 6 on Merchant Organizing Challenges and Accessing Small Business Services Funding in East Tremont
Rafael Moure discusses the difficulties of organizing merchants and securing funding from Small Business Services (SBS) in the low-income neighborhood of East Tremont. - Moure emphasizes the historic significance of …
1:04:32
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130 sec
Nicole Painter on the Contributions and Challenges of Business Improvement Districts in NYC
Nicole Painter discusses the role and obstacles of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in enhancing NYC's neighborhoods. - Represents the New York City Bid Association, encompassing 76 BIDs and nearly 100,000 …
1:06:57
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3 min
Christopher Leon Johnson on Allegations of Corruption and Extortion in the Proposed North Brooklyn Business Improvement District (BID)
Christopher Leon Johnson testifies against the proposed establishment of the North Brooklyn Business Improvement District (BID), expressing concerns over alleged corruption and extortion. - Johnson accuses leadership, specifically Kenny Katie …
1:10:04
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3 min
Justin Lerner, Executive Director of White Plains Road Business Improvement District, on Support from the Department of Small Business Services During and After COVID-19
Justin Lerner, Executive Director of the White Plains Road Business Improvement District, testifies about the support his organization received from the Department of Small Business Services during COVID-19 and ongoing …
1:14:10
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96 sec
Melissa Tucker, Executive Director of Belmont Business Improvement District (BID), on Enhancing Support for Small BIDs
Melissa Tucker discusses the need for increased support and strategic planning for small Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and makes recommendations for the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS). - …
1:16:09
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123 sec
Marshall Strawbridge on Support and Challenges for Bronx Business Improvement Districts
Marshall Strawbridge discusses the support and challenges for business improvement districts in the Bronx. - The Director of Small Business And Community Outreach at the Bronx Economic Development Corporation emphasizes …
1:18:44
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111 sec
Elizabeth Lovejoy on Supporting Small Bids and Addressing Illegal Dumping in Bay Ridge Fifth Avenue
Elizabeth Lovejoy discusses the challenges and initiatives of the Bay Ridge Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District. - Represents over 300 businesses, emphasizing collaboration with local stakeholders to enhance economic and …
1:20:50
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117 sec
Pedro Suarez on Supporting Small Businesses and Addressing Challenges in the Third Avenue Business Improvement District, Bronx
Pedro Suarez testifies on the role of the Third Avenue Business Improvement District in supporting small businesses and addressing unique challenges in the Bronx. - The district spans an 8-block …
1:23:03
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145 sec
