As there is strength in numbers, one of our most important service to our members and our community is advocacy. Recently the BID began an aggressive program of identifying and reporting poor and dangerous street conditions. Within a 2 week period, at least 50 reports of missing One Way signs, potholes, lampposts with exposed wires, and broken fire alarm boxes were reported to 311. Most of these were repaired within a week.
Our community and businesses rely heavily on bikes. Therefore, the BID has requested bike racks in key locations. So far about 15 bike racks have been installed and we hope to add more in the future.
We aid our businesses and property owners in navigating the city government. From explaining regulations, to helping with undeserved tickets, or passing along important information about new regulations, the BID becomes the liaison between our small business owners, property owners and the City, State and Federal Governments. The City has a Reconstruction Project in the planning stage for 5th Avenue from 38th to 64th Street. It includes new sewer lines, water mains, and sidewalks. The BID will be an active player as soon as the time grows closer and the plans become set, making sure that the needs of the business community will be met.
Through our advocacy, the BID has also developed strong allies in each of the levels of government. These cooperative efforts have brought the BID allocations of close to $2 million for street amenities. Since 2001, capital funds have been allocated for the Sunset Park BID Renaissance Project through the efforts of Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Assemblyman Felix Ortiz and Councilwoman Sara Gonzalez. In 2003, historic lampposts were installed along 5th Avenue, from 38th Street to 64th Street thanks to the multi-modal funds of Assemblyman Ortiz. The BID is also looking to add special signage, lighted street signs, and a clock among the planned amenities. Unfortunately, the City bureaucracy continually changes the criteria for capital projects, while also delaying the Reconstruction of 5th Avenue, this time until 2014. Because our Renaissance Project is linked to this city project, the BID has not yet been given the necessary permits to install any of these amenities.
Our close working relationship with our elected officials and other organizations has also brought us sponsorships for our different programs, such as the annual 15-block Street Festival, the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, the mini-grant ROSE program and the pilot vending project, La Plaza del Mercado Unido. Legislative discretionary monies come from State Senator Eric Adams, State Senator Diane Savino, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, State Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, Councilwoman Sara Gonzalez. Sponsorships have come from Health Plus, Lutheran Medical Center, Maimonides Medical Center, Verizon, the Boricua Festival, El Barrio News, Banco Popular and Amalgamated Bank.