BANNERS, TRASH CANS PLACED, PRIVATE SANITATION & BEAUTIFICATION UNDERWAY IN THE DISTRICT
Earlier today, The South Shore Business Improvement District (BID) held a press conference to announce its latest additions and services in the towns of Annadale, Eltingville, and Great Kills. Over the last few weeks, 58 banners have been hung in the towns, 20 BID branded trash receptacles have been placed, private sanitation services have been enlisted, beatification projects have begun to make areas more appealing, and a comprehensive online business directory has been launched.
“It’s taken us a few months to officially get up and running,” said Gary Fleming, President of the South Shore BID. “Today, however, we are proud to announce that we are here, and ready to serve the businesses and patrons of our District.”
A Business Improvement District is a vehicle that allows business and property owners within a designated area to work collaboratively to subsidize services they deem necessary, such as sanitation, beautification, security and marketing, to ultimately increase the areas economic vitality. The South Shore BID is the 72nd in the city, and only the third on Staten Island with the others being the Forest Avenue BID and the West Shore BID. It is comprised of over 300 unique businesses within the towns of Annadale, Eltingville, and Great Kills, and is the first BID of its kind to incorporate three unique areas.
“I’m proud to be here today and see the progress being made on the South Shore,” said Councilman Joe Borelli. “This project has been years in the making and today we launch what will ultimately make our community a better place for small business owners and patrons alike.”
The South Shore BID was officially signed into law in 2015, and has spent the last months on startup items such as incorporation, insurance, election of its board and filing of its non-profit status.
“Our goal as an organization is to empower small businesses by making the District cleaner, safer, and more beautiful,” said Anthony Rapacciuolo, the BID’s Executive Director. “I’d like to thank Councilman Borelli, the BID Board, Bob Cutrona of Project One, and Chief Daniel Stein from the Department of Sanitation for working with us to get us up and running.”
In addition to the banners and trash cans being placed in the towns, private sanitation service through Project One has begun on a weekly basis in each town and an interactive online business directory has been launched at www.SouthShoreBID.org where business owners within the District are able to control and update their listings in real time. For more information please dial (718) 504-0041 or email [email protected]