TESTIMONY
Elizabeth Lovejoy on Supporting Small Bids and Addressing Illegal Dumping in Bay Ridge Fifth Avenue
1:20:50
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117 sec
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 cultural vitality.
- Applauds Mayor Adams and the Department of Small Business Services for funding support, highlighting its importance for small Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).
- Identifies persistent illegal dumping as a challenge, seeking intensified efforts from the New York City Council and Department of Sanitation.
- Discusses efforts to secure discretionary funding to maintain holiday lighting despite rising costs and bureaucratic hurdles.
- Expresses hope for streamlined processes and continued council support for future initiatives.
Elizabeth Lovejoy
1:20:50
Good afternoon, Chair police and members of the New York City Council Committee on Small Business.
1:20:56
My name is Elizabeth Lovejoy, and I am testifying today as executive director of the beverage 5th Avenue Business Improvement District in Brooklyn.
1:21:04
The Bay Ridge Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District represents 300 plus businesses ranging from diverse restaurants and retail establishments.
1:21:13
Our mission is to be a partner to local property owners, merchants, residents, elected officials, and community organizations to improve neighborhood conditions that promote economic and cultural vitality of the commercial corridor.
1:21:27
We applaud Mayor Adams and the Department of Small Business Services advocacy to renew additional funding for small bids and look forward to continued funding in fiscal year 25.
1:21:39
As a small bid operating within a fixed budget and bolstered by additional grant funds, the Bay Ridge Fifth Avenue bid is evolving with innovative ideas and initiatives.
1:21:49
Nevertheless, the challenge of illegal dumping persists along the commercial corridor to find any remedy solely through increased funding for supplemental sanitation.
1:22:00
We're especially in Florida with New York City Council to work with the Department of Sanitation, to intensify litter basket pickups and or enact regulations specifically designated to deter illegal disposal.
1:22:13
Moreover, in our endeavor to cultivate an inclusive and welcoming district, we adored with holiday lighting during both the Christmas and Robin seasons.
1:22:23
Giving the rising costs involved, we pursue discretionary funding to ensure continued installations in the upcoming fiscal year However, the acquisition of such funds entails a cumbersome process, and we earnestly hope for strives do streamline bureaucratic procedures and minimize unnecessary delays.
1:22:42
We eagerly anticipate advancing our crucial initiatives with your valuable support.
1:22:47
Thank you.