FAQ

What is a Business Improvement District?

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a geographical area where local stakeholders fund and oversee services in their district to address neighborhood needs. BIDs provide supplemental services such as cleaning and greening of streets, business development, and public programming.

Since its inception over twenty years ago, the City’s BID program has contributed over $930 million in supplemental services to invigorate our neighborhoods. The 76 BIDs in New York City are as diverse as the neighborhoods they serve. The BID model allows local stakeholders to define what services the neighborhood needs, and how best to share the costs. Across New York City, individual BIDs produce an iftar during Ramadan to celebrate Yemeni merchants (5th Ave BID, Bay Ridge), train young entrepreneurs in public housing (Myrtle Ave Brooklyn Partnership), pick up litter in public plazas (Flatiron), organize and run Open Streets (Park Slope-5th Ave), and maintain public parks (Union Square Partnership). 

Needless to say, we believe that the East 80s-Yorkville BID would be a great addition to New York’s ever-burgeoning BID program, and that the BID would create its own unique set of services to best support its residents, commercial tenants and property owners, and visitors to the area.

How is a BID formed and where are we in the process?

A BID is formed in coordination with the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) through a specified process. In 2024, the Steering Committee gathered community feedback through a Needs Assessment Survey, from which it developed proposed service, budget, boundary and assessment structures. Now, in the outreach phase, we are collecting ballots. Once indicators of support set by SBS have been met, the proposal will go into a legislative process.

How are the votes counted?

All ballots are counted. SBS looks to see 51% (or more) yes ballots from property owners and commercial tenants within the BID boundary, and from a majority of the assessed value of properties. 

Who will be in charge of the BID?

The BID will be an independent non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors who are representative of neighborhood stakeholders and elected annually by property owners and tenants in the district. Each year, the Board approves the budget, assessment and services.

Per SBS guidelines, BID Boards must have at least 13 members, including at least 7 Property Owners, 1 Commercial Tenant, 1 Residential Tenant, and 4 Government/Elected Officials. Property Owners should always make up the majority of the board.  Given the range of types of property owners and tenants in the proposed BID boundary, the Steering Committee is looking at ways to ensure that the eventual Board is representative of the diversity of the district.  

How will the BID services be funded?

Through an annual special assessment paid by property owners. The assessment was designed to promote equity and, as such, both residential and commercial property owners will be assessed at the same rate. The BID will also be eligible for additional funding through grants, sponsorships, and earned income.

Is the BID replacing the work of the City? Don’t my taxes already cover these services?

BIDs provide supplemental services to City departments, such as the Parks Department, Department of Sanitation, and the NYPD. The East 80s-Yorkville BID will be able to provide a level of service beyond what the City has resources to perform.