By Stephen Stirling
The BID approved a $510,000 budget for the 2009 fiscal year, which begins in July, while keeping the amount that property owners pay for their services at $304,000 – thousands less than the assessment of $380,000 originally enacted in 2003.”As we celebrate our fifth year of service, we continue to operate at a more than efficient level and provide even more services to members as Flushing continues to redevelop and property values rise,” Flushing BID Chairman Jim Gerson said.City Councilman John Liu (D-Flushing) praised the BID's business leadership.”The BID remains strong and proactive, and it is remarkable that it's growing while never having to ask any more from the property owners who are paying the assessment. The BID has proven itself to be fiscally responsible and is poised for expansion as Flushing continues to thrive,” he said.Flushing BID Executive Director Mabel Law has said the BID will be placing a strong focus on partnering with businesses to celebrate both the diverse history of Flushing as well as its current incarnation as a major business hub in New York City. She said Flushing's rich horticultural history is likely to be a major focus of the BID in the coming spring and summer months.”As downtown Flushing continues to flourish and nearby projects such as the Muss [Skyview Parc] site are being built and Willets Point is set to be redeveloped, we want to continue to promote our businesses to preserve their livelihood and our historic sites so that our unique history is known by future generations,” said Myra Baird Herce, chairwoman of the Downtown Flushing Marketing Task Force.The BID also announced that it will hold its annual meeting and election of board directors May 8, 2008, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel at 135-20 39th Ave. in Flushing.Reach reporter Stephen Stirling by e-mail at Sstirling@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 138.
