New York City Council
Committee on Small Business
Oct 30, 2024
·
10:00 AM
2 hr 30 min
Summary
A hearing on public space activation and small business revitalization in naturally occurring cultural districts.
Discussions focused on supporting cultural organizations, activating public spaces, and revitalizing commercial corridors through arts and culture.
Key issues included:
- Funding challenges for smaller organizations
- Permitting processes for public space use
- The economic impact of cultural programming on local businesses
Recommendations included:
- Expanding support for naturally occurring cultural districts
- Improving agency coordination
- Providing more assistance to help small organizations navigate bureaucratic processes
Features testimony from the Department of Small Business Services (SBS), cultural organizations, community groups, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Oswald Feliz's opening remarks on public space activation and small business revitalization
Council Member Oswald Feliz, Chair of the Committee on Small Business, delivers opening remarks for a joint hearing on public space activation and small business revitalization in naturally occurring cultural …
0:00:55
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4 min
Council Member Carlina Rivera introduces joint committee hearing on cultural districts and public space activation
Council Member Carlina Rivera, Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations, introduces a joint hearing with the Committee on Small Business. She outlines the focus …
0:05:32
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3 min
Introduction and SBS mission
Haris Khan, Acting Chief of Staff at the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS), introduces himself and outlines the agency's mission. He emphasizes SBS's commitment to creating …
0:10:18
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41 sec
COVID-19 response and economic recovery initiatives
Khan outlines SBS's response to COVID-19 and subsequent economic recovery initiatives. He highlights key programs and their impacts on small businesses and the city's economy. - Outdoor dining supported nearly …
0:11:00
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93 sec
Public space activation and interagency collaboration
Khan discusses the city's focus on public space activation and the collaboration between various agencies to achieve this goal. He highlights the appointment of a Chief Public Grounds Officer and …
0:12:34
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78 sec
SBS neighborhood development programs
Khan outlines SBS's neighborhood development programs, including support for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and grant allocations to community-based organizations. He emphasizes the impact of these programs on local economies and …
0:13:53
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100 sec
Public realm grants and project examples
Khan introduces the new public realm grants program and provides several examples of projects funded through this initiative. He highlights how these projects activate public spaces and support local communities …
0:15:34
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117 sec
Additional SBS programs and funding opportunities
Khan discusses additional SBS programs and funding opportunities that support cultural assets, revitalize commercial corridors, and develop neighborhood leadership. He highlights ongoing grant applications and leadership training programs. - FY25 …
0:17:32
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58 sec
Conclusion and invitation for questions
Khan concludes his testimony by reaffirming SBS's commitment to supporting small businesses and strengthening local economies. He expresses gratitude for partnerships and invites questions from the committee. - SBS is …
0:18:31
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22 sec
SBS's engagement with arts and cultural organizations
Council Member Feliz inquires about SBS's engagement with arts and cultural organizations. Haris Khan explains that SBS works with various community-based organizations, some focusing on merchant organizing and others on …
0:19:41
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40 sec
SBS's process for identifying and mobilizing local cultural resources
Council Member Feliz inquires about SBS's process for identifying and mobilizing local cultural resources to support small businesses. Haris Khan explains that SBS has a dedicated division of neighborhood development …
0:20:21
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68 sec
SBS's outreach to include local cultural leaders in commercial district revitalization
Council Member Feliz asks about SBS's outreach to ensure local cultural leaders are consulted and included in efforts to revitalize local commercial districts. Haris Khan explains that most of SBS's …
0:21:29
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50 sec
Interest in bringing more art and performances to public spaces
Council Member Feliz inquires about SBS noticing interest in bringing more art and performances to public spaces to help revitalize commercial corridors and adjacent areas. Haris Khan confirms a significant …
0:22:21
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64 sec
Grants and initiatives for activating public spaces
Council Member Feliz asks about different grants and initiatives useful for activating public spaces. Haris Khan outlines several grant programs available to community-based development organizations (CBDOs) for public space activation …
0:23:25
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63 sec
Coordination between SBS and DCLA regarding the Create NYC plan
Council Member Feliz inquires about SBS's coordination with the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) regarding the Create NYC plan, which aims to ensure community-driven and inclusive economic growth in neighborhoods. …
0:24:29
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62 sec
Coordination between SBS and DOT on utilizing public spaces for small businesses
Council Member Feliz asks about SBS's coordination with the Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding the utilization of public spaces by small businesses. Haris Khan confirms that SBS has close relationships …
0:25:32
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72 sec
Suggestions for DOT to make public spaces more accessible
Council Member Feliz asks about suggestions for DOT to make public spaces, especially public plazas, more accessible. Haris Khan explains the administration's focus on streamlining permitting challenges across the board. …
0:26:45
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78 sec
Coordination between SBS and DCLA on storefront vacancies
Council Member Feliz asks about coordination between SBS and DCLA on storefront vacancies. Haris Khan explains that SBS has regular conversations with DCLA and other city agencies on economic recovery …
0:28:08
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59 sec
Collaboration between SBS and DCLA on addressing storefront vacancies
Council Member Feliz asks about ways SBS and DCLA can work together on the issue of storefront vacancies. Haris Khan outlines some collaborative efforts and strategies to address this concern. …
0:29:08
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53 sec
Council Member Rivera inquires about SBS grant programs
Council Member Carlina Rivera begins by expressing her interest in learning more about the various grant programs offered by the Department of Small Business Services (SBS). She emphasizes the importance …
0:30:02
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47 sec
Discussion of the 100 Gates Project and storefront improvement initiatives
Council Member Rivera discusses the 100 Gates Project, an initiative to paint rolled gates of businesses that open later in the day, and its impact on the local community and …
0:30:49
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66 sec
Inquiry about the Culture at Risk Task Force
Council Member Rivera inquires about the Culture at Risk Task Force, seeking more information about its purpose and function. - The task force is led by senior adviser Randall Castiglouad …
0:31:55
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33 sec
SBS funding for BIDs to hire artists and cultural organizations
Council Member Rivera inquires about SBS funding sources that allow Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) to hire artists or cultural organizations for performances or artworks in their districts. - Calvin Brown …
0:32:30
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75 sec
Examples of cultural initiatives in Union Square and 4th Arts Block
Council Member Rivera provides examples of successful cultural initiatives in her district, highlighting their impact on local businesses and communities. - She mentions the Union Square partnership's plan to expand …
0:33:47
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101 sec
Support for small business owners in local communities
Council Member Rivera inquires about specialized support or opportunities available to small business owners who live in the communities they serve. - Khan explains that most grant funding is focused …
0:35:28
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67 sec
Commercial District Needs Assessments (CDNAs) and arts integration
Council Member Rivera inquires about how SBS has worked with organizations to implement arts and culture in public spaces based on Commercial District Needs Assessments (CDNAs). - Calvin Brown explains …
0:36:37
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3 min
Neighborhood Comments report and its recommendations
Council Member Rivera inquires about the recommendations from the Neighborhood Comments report and how SBS is working to address them, particularly regarding agency coordination and equitable distribution of resources. - …
0:40:04
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117 sec
Fiscal year 25 public realm grant
Council Member Rivera inquires about the fiscal year 25 public realm grant, asking about its origins, eligible organizations, and the number of applications received and awarded. - The grant evolved …
0:42:02
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97 sec
Language support for cultural groups accessing SBS programs
Council Member Rivera inquires about the language support available for various cultural groups to learn about and access SBS and DCLA funding and support. - SBS works with a variety …
0:43:42
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77 sec
Additional comments on the Culture at Risk Task Force
Council Member Rivera provides additional comments on the Culture at Risk Task Force and its importance in supporting cultural institutions. - Rivera mentions working with Anne on the task force …
0:45:00
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54 sec
SBS collaboration with the chief public realm officer
Council Member Feliz inquires about SBS's collaboration with the chief public realm officer. Haris Khan from SBS explains that they have regular conversations to ensure coordination on public space activation …
0:46:08
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49 sec
Overview of Avenue NYC and Neighborhood 360 programs
Council Member Feliz inquires about the history and funding of Avenue NYC and Neighborhood 360 programs. Calvin Brown from SBS provides a detailed explanation of both programs, their evolution, and …
0:47:00
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164 sec
Impact of Avenue NYC and Neighborhood 360 on public spaces
Council Member Feliz asks about the impact of Avenue NYC and Neighborhood 360 programs on public spaces. Calvin Brown from SBS provides examples of how these programs have helped revitalize …
0:49:45
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92 sec
Navigating bureaucracy for public space activation
Council Member Feliz inquires about bureaucratic challenges in public space activation and how SBS helps organizations navigate them. Calvin Brown from SBS explains their efforts to streamline processes and remove …
0:51:17
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3 min
Common issues and barriers in seeking help for public space activation
Council Member Oswald Feliz inquires about the common issues and barriers that people seek help for regarding public space activation. Calvin Brown from SBS responds that the biggest issues are …
0:54:30
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71 sec
SBS's role in navigating permitting processes and providing assistance
Council Member Feliz inquires about specific aspects of the permitting process that people usually seek help for. SBS representatives explain their role in assisting organizations, especially those with limited capacity, …
0:55:42
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64 sec
SBS's technical assistance and resource fair for partner organizations
SBS representatives discuss the technical assistance and resources they provide to partner organizations, including upcoming initiatives to address permitting issues. - SBS is planning a workshop for BIDs and CBDOs …
0:56:47
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43 sec
SBS's outreach efforts to smaller organizations and immigrant communities
Council Member Feliz inquires about SBS's outreach efforts to reach smaller, more informal networks and organizations. SBS representatives explain their focus on reaching immigrant communities and supporting smaller organizations. - …
0:57:32
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116 sec
Programs offered by SBS for smaller organizations
Council Member Feliz inquires about programs offered by SBS to help smaller organizations thrive and expand their reach. SBS representatives discuss their Avenue NYC and Neighborhood 360 programs. - Avenue …
0:59:30
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73 sec
Collaboration between SBS and other agencies for public space activation
Council Member Feliz inquires about the collaboration between SBS and other agencies, such as DOT, for activating public spaces in commercial corridors. SBS representatives explain their approach to inter-agency coordination. …
1:00:44
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31 sec
SBS support for neighborhoods without formal organizations
Council Member Feliz asks about how SBS supports neighborhoods or business districts that may not have formal organizations but are looking to activate public spaces. SBS representatives explain their approach …
1:01:16
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40 sec
Language-related outreach and assistance for those with language barriers
Council Member Feliz inquires about language-related outreach and how SBS assists those with language barriers. SBS representatives explain their approach to language accessibility in their programs and services. - Local …
1:01:57
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71 sec
Council Member Rivera's remarks on needed improvements in public realm programs
Council Member Carlina Rivera provides comments on the need for improvements in public realm programs and alternatives to Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). - Rivera emphasizes the importance of sustainable programs …
1:03:26
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77 sec
Council Member Bottcher discusses challenges in activating empty storefronts
Council Member Erik Bottcher raises concerns about the difficulty in convincing property owners to activate their empty storefronts with artist spaces, cultural spaces, or pop-up spaces. He highlights the challenges …
1:04:46
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92 sec
SBS discusses pilot program for building creative capacity and engaging landlords
Calvin Brown from SBS outlines their efforts to address vacant storefronts and engage landlords in storefront activation. He discusses a pilot program called 'building creative capacity' in partnership with Van …
1:06:20
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63 sec
Council Member Bottcher recommends including Barbara Anderson in storefront activation efforts
Council Member Erik Bottcher suggests including Barbara Anderson from Art on the Ave in the efforts to engage property owners for storefront activation. He highlights her success in getting property …
1:07:25
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22 sec
Discussion on potential obstacles in storefront activation
Council Member Oswald Feliz inquires about potential obstacles in storefront activation, specifically mentioning property owners' hesitation due to concerns about community perception or deterring potential tenants. Calvin Brown from SBS …
1:07:50
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55 sec
SBS highlights successful public space activations across NYC
Council Member Oswald Feliz asks about successful and vibrant public spaces in NYC. Haris Khan and Calvin Brown from SBS provide examples of successful public space activations throughout the city. …
1:08:48
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126 sec
Council Member Feliz concludes SBS panel and transitions to next speakers
Council Member Oswald Feliz concludes the session with SBS representatives, thanking them for their testimony and support of small businesses and commercial corridors. He then transitions to the next panel …
1:10:55
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31 sec
SBS's approach to helping smaller cultural organizations with bureaucratic hurdles
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about SBS's plans to address bureaucratic hurdles faced by smaller cultural organizations when activating public spaces. Calvin Brown from SBS explains their approach to supporting these …
1:12:03
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65 sec
Connecting smaller organizations with SBS resources and partners
Council Member Brooks-Powers asks about how smaller organizations can connect with SBS for support and partnerships. Calvin Brown explains the process for reaching out to SBS. - Organizations can contact …
1:13:08
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27 sec
Measuring community engagement in cultural districts and local programming
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about how SBS and DCLA measure community engagement and satisfaction in neighborhoods with newly introduced cultural districts and local programming. Haris Khan from SBS provides an …
1:13:35
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42 sec
SBS and DCLA's engagement with Outer Borough Communities for cultural programming
Council Member Brooks-Powers asks about SBS and DCLA's efforts to engage with Outer Borough Communities, particularly in Southeast Queens and transit deserts, to bring cultural programming to these neighborhoods. Haris …
1:14:18
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71 sec
SBS's neighborhood investment map and resources for organizations
Calvin Brown introduces SBS's neighborhood investment map as a resource for organizations and council members. This online tool provides information about SBS investments across the city. - The map shows …
1:15:29
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36 sec
Testimony by Jane Carey, Director of Community and Government Affairs at Whitney Museum of Art
Jane Carey from the Whitney Museum of Art discussed the museum's collaborations with neighboring institutions and the business community to support engagement initiatives. She highlighted the success of West Side …
1:20:13
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156 sec
Testimony by Caron Atlas, Director of Naturally Occurring Cultural Districts New York (NOCD-NY), on Public Space Activation and Cultural District Support
Caron Atlas from Naturally Occurring Cultural Districts New York (NOCD-NY) testified about the importance of supporting naturally occurring cultural districts (NOCDs) and their role in community revitalization. She emphasized the …
1:23:04
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165 sec
Testimony by Ryan Gilliam, Executive Director of FAB NYC
Ryan Gilliam, Executive Director of FAB NYC, testified about the importance of cultural organizations in preserving and strengthening neighborhood identity in New York City. She highlighted FAB NYC's work in …
1:26:03
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152 sec
Testimony by Beth Allen, Executive Director of Downtown Brooklyn Arts Alliance
Beth Allen, Executive Director of Downtown Brooklyn Arts Alliance, testified about the importance of including smaller arts organizations in cultural and economic development initiatives in Downtown Brooklyn. She emphasized the …
1:28:44
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3 min
Council member introduces discussion on supporting cultural organizations
Council Member Carlina Rivera opens the discussion by expressing appreciation for the panelists' work and asks a broad question about how city agencies like DCLA and SBS can better support …
1:32:03
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65 sec
Challenges with SBS public realm grant program for cultural organizations
Panelists discuss various challenges associated with the SBS public realm grant program, particularly for smaller cultural organizations. Key issues include reimbursement-based funding, project complexity, and timing constraints. - Ryan Gilliam …
1:33:09
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4 min
Funding challenges for cultural alliances and networks
Panelists discuss the unique funding challenges faced by cultural alliances and networks, highlighting the difficulties in fitting into existing funding guidelines and the need for more support for these types …
1:37:58
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156 sec
Cultural character of neighborhoods and government support
Panelists discuss the broader definition of cultural character in neighborhoods and the role of government in supporting cultural organizations. They emphasize the importance of considering diverse heritages and community stories. …
1:40:34
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140 sec
Whitney Museum's free admission policy and its impact on audience demographics
Council Member Rivera inquires about the Whitney Museum's decision to offer free admission for young adults, and Jane Carey from the Whitney discusses the impact of this policy on audience …
1:42:53
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123 sec
Council Member Paladino expresses support for unique cultural organizations
Council Member Vickie Paladino expresses strong appreciation and support for the cultural organizations and artists present at the hearing. She emphasizes the importance of preserving their unique contributions to New …
1:44:58
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79 sec
Council member emphasizes importance of accessible support programs
Council Member Oswald Feliz agrees with the previous comments and stresses the importance of having accessible programs and initiatives to support cultural organizations. He acknowledges the problem of long waiting …
1:46:21
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34 sec
Testimony by Cynthia Carrion, Director of Government and Community Affairs at El Museo del Barrio
Cynthia Carrion from El Museo del Barrio discusses the impact of public space activation on community engagement and local economies. She highlights successful programs like the 3 Kings Day parade …
1:48:10
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140 sec
Testimony by Leslie Davol, Executive Director of Street Lab, on Public Space Activation
Leslie Davol, Executive Director of Street Lab, testified about the importance of public space activation and the need for venues to share culture in neighborhoods. She emphasized the significance of …
1:50:41
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126 sec
Testimony by Michael Schnall, Director of Government and Community Affairs at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Michael Schnall from Brooklyn Botanic Garden discusses the garden's role in the community and its collaboration with other cultural institutions in the area. He emphasizes the garden's commitment to education …
1:52:54
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142 sec
Testimony by Nicole Gardner, Director of Advancement at Building for the Arts
Nicole Gardner, Director of Advancement at Building for the Arts, provided testimony on the organization's history and its role in transforming 42nd Street into a vibrant performing arts hub. She …
1:55:22
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139 sec
Accessing public spaces for cultural activities
Council Member Oswald Feliz inquires about the ease or difficulty of accessing public spaces for cultural activities. Various respondents, including representatives from El Museo del Barrio and Street Lab, share …
1:57:43
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3 min
Council member concludes the discussion
Council Member Oswald Feliz briefly concludes the discussion after hearing responses from the panel participants. - The council member acknowledges the responses with a simple "Okay" - He then asks …
2:01:15
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2 sec
Council Member Rivera discusses public space activation for cultural groups
Council Member Carlina Rivera discusses the idea of leasing public spaces to cultural groups and the challenges involved, such as liability issues and permit holding. She acknowledges the complexity of …
2:01:19
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39 sec
Council Member Feliz discusses public space utilization in his district
Council Member Oswald Feliz reflects on the contrasting situations in his district regarding public space utilization. He highlights the vibrant commercial corridor of Little Italy in the Bronx and compares …
2:01:57
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109 sec
Testimony by Ahyoung Kim, Director of Economic Empowerment at Asian American Federation
Ahyoung Kim, representing the Asian American Federation, testifies about the importance of naturally occurring cultural districts for immigrant communities and shares the success story of their work in Murray Hill, …
2:03:48
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3 min
Testimony by Rosa Chang, Co-founder of Gotham Park
Rosa Chang, co-founder of Gotham Park, testified about their grassroots organization's efforts to create and maintain a new community-led public space in a historically underinvested neighborhood near City Hall. She …
2:07:31
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131 sec
Testimony by Katie Hill, Office of the Executive Director at The Perelman Performing Arts Center
Katie Hill from The Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) presents testimony on the center's mission to create community through the arts and its impact on Lower Manhattan. She highlights …
2:09:49
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169 sec
Vacant storefronts and SBS engagement with Asian American Federation
Council Member Oswald Feliz inquires about the Asian American Federation's work on addressing vacant storefronts and their engagement with SBS. Ahyoung Kim confirms that SBS has sought their expertise multiple …
2:12:46
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51 sec
Inter-agency connections and support for Asian American Federation
Council Member Oswald Feliz asks about connections between the Asian American Federation and other organizations facilitated by city agencies. Ahyoung Kim highlights DOT's role in connecting them with programming partners. …
2:13:38
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27 sec
Council Member Rivera commends PAC NYC's community relationships
Council Member Carlina Rivera acknowledges PAC NYC's successful partnerships with local organizations like the Chinatown BID, Downtown Alliance, and Trinity Wall Street. She expresses interest in attending a lobby performance …
2:14:06
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20 sec
Gotham Park's plans for supporting small businesses through incubation kiosks
Council Member Rivera inquires about Gotham Park's role in supporting small businesses. Rosa Chang, co-founder of Gotham Park, details plans for a small business incubation kiosk program in partnership with …
2:14:26
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131 sec
Testimony by Lucy Sexton, Executive Director of New Yorkers for Culture & Arts
Lucy Sexton, Executive Director of New Yorkers for Culture & Arts, testifies on the importance of cultural groups and small businesses to New York City's economy and quality of life. …
2:17:38
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148 sec
Testimony by Michelle Cruz, Director of Economic Development and Government Affairs at Union Settlement, on Supporting Naturally Occurring Cultural Districts
Michelle Cruz from Union Settlement testified about the importance of supporting naturally occurring cultural districts and their impact on communities like East Harlem. She emphasized the role of cultural districts …
2:20:26
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3 min
Testimony by Jessica Walker, President and CEO of Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
Jessica Walker, President and CEO of Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, testified about the challenges faced by Manhattan businesses post-COVID and the initiatives undertaken by her organization to support small businesses …
2:24:34
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132 sec
Testimony by Francine Garber-Cohen, President of Regina Opera Company
Francine Garber-Cohen, president of Regina Opera Company, testified about the importance of their cultural offerings in Southwest Brooklyn and requested increased support from the city's Small Business Services. She highlighted …
2:27:06
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127 sec
