What is a Bid?

Business Improvement District (BID) Program

A Business Improvement District (BID) delivers supplemental services such as sanitation and maintenance, public safety and visitor services, marketing and promotional programs, capital improvements and beautification in a designated area. BIDs are funded by a special assessment paid by property owners within the district. SBS works with commercial property owners and businesses to assist them in forming BIDs and managing BID services on an on going basis.

Eligibility: Any commercial, retail or industrial area in New York City may apply for BID status through a sponsor. BIDs must be approved by the local Community Board, the City Planning Commission, the City Council and the Mayor.

The activity of the 86th Street Bay Ridge District Management Association (DMA) and Business Improvement District (BID) began assessments in October 2001. It operates with the same fiscal year as the City of New York ( June 30) and entered its third operating year in July 2003. There were many projects, programs, and events, which focus on the mission of the Business Improvement District.

The mission is to promote the general welfare of the people living and working in and utilizing the District. This is accomplished through supplemental sanitation services, holiday lighting programs, distribution of relevant information, streetscape improvements, general marketing and coordination with citywide service providers.

Current History

86BID conducts business July 1 through June 30 each fiscal year. BID activity on 86th Street, Bay Ridge, is focused on budgeted programs and other general matters of interest to the business community. The programs for supplemental sanitation (seven days a week), and holiday lighting and participation in community events have been well received. The DMA Board meets six times during the year; additionally there are numerous committee meetings and a well attended Annual Meeting in June. The Board addresses administrative matters, budget priorities, marketing, local community issues, public safety, transportation, property issues, outsourcing, and many other related items.

There are ninteen members of the Board of which nine are property owners. The BID is comprised of 132 affected properties. Sanitation and Cleaning Services are the primary focus of budget allocation. Staffing hours are from 7AM until 7PM seven days a week. Actual scheduling of service reflects peak and non-peak periods such as holiday seasons.

An increase in staffing is made during peak holiday seasons.

The BID members and staff work with the local Community Board Ten and the cleanliness of the street and sidewalks are maintained at a very high level.

Holiday Lights have been "White Bulbs" installed in November, with large "Welcome to the 86th St BID" signage at each entry point to the boundaries of the BID. A total of 22 strands of lights were placed. This impressive and tasteful display lasts until mid January.

Marketing of 86BID includes thousands of "yellow themed" THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING 86th Street BID Cards, prepared and purchased by the BID.

There is also a GUIDE to the BID with a map and phone #s ( see the button for this information)

Newsletters are distributed regularly. Recently, the 5th Ave reconstruction occupied much of the news, with traffic patterns sometimes changing. Additionally, the "Security Alerts" from NYPD and New York State Public Safety Office are distributed store to store "in bright yellow". updating merchants, shoppers and residents of 86th St. activity and 5th Ave. issues.

Marketing for the BID maintains a theme utilizing the color yellow. The BID marketing and promotion budget currently includes holiday lighting.

Recently installed Muni-meters have generally increased parking spots, assuming the automobiles are small and mid range size. 86BID has a municipal parking garage with the entrance at 85th Street and Fifth Ave.

New York City Department of Transportation reviewed pedestrian traffic at the request of 86BID and installed a mid-block crosswalk (As at Rockefeller Center) with a traffic light mid-block 86th Street between 4th Avenue and 5th Avenue as a safety measure for the local pedestrian traffic. The BID appreciates the fine efforts of the NYC DOT and the NYPD for working closely with the BID on many matters.

Merchants, residents and property owners have increased use of the new Streetscape Improvements, which include additional trash receptacles and some bike racks.