Contact: Sunny Mindel (212) 788-2958
Edward Skyler (212) 788-2969
The final bill before me, Introductory Number 556, sponsored by Council Member Berman at my request, amends the Administrative Code of the City of New York, in relation the establishment of the Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District.
Business Improvement Districts are a vital part of our neighborhood economic development efforts and are an important means of strengthening, stabilizing and bringing together commercial and industrial areas within the City. The Districts provide a high level of supplemental services that include sanitation, tree maintenance, local business marketing and promotion, administration and other services that may be required for the promotion, enhancement, and economic development of a District.
The Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District would run from 67th Street to 82nd Street on Columbus Avenue, on Manhattan's upper west side. Not only is this area the main shopping center for the residents of the surrounding area on the upper west side, but it also attracts a large number of tourists due to the presence of the American Museum of Natural History. The district includes 201 diverse businesses involved in every type of retail from restaurants to jewelry stores. It is an ideal example of an area that is used by the neighborhood, City residents and tourists.
For the reasons previously stated, I will now sign the bill.