Gregg Sullivan – the new executive director of the Bayside Business Improvement District (BID) – wants to change the way Bayside business owners think about improving the neighborhood.
“No single raindrop thinks it causes the flood,” said Sullivan who led the Bayside BID meeting on Monday, September 20.
Business owners, elected officials and community leaders participated in a private gathering at Papazzio Restaurant on Bell Boulevard to discuss local issues regarding the beautification of Bayside, upcoming events and the aftermath of the storm that left debris scattered about the streets.
“I’m a silver-lining finder,” said Sullivan, who was on Bell Boulevard when the storm hit. “Bell Boulevard saw so much business in the coming days. Every store, every restaurant was packed. We were lucky Bell did not lose power.”
Part of the beautification process that Sullivan mentioned was the BID’s new control of the LIRR-Bayside station, which is in need of a new landscape. Plans are in the works to construct a gazebo and “give Bayside back some common ground,” as described by Sullivan.
There are also plans – depending on the budget – to incorporate town criers around Thanksgiving and to change the festive lights on Bell Boulevard during the holiday season.
Focus will soon shift to the upcoming Bayside Arts and Crafts Fair at the Bayside Train Station on Sunday, October 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Patrons will find handmade crafts, jewelry, pottery, art and more while enjoying live music and other family entertainment. Above all, Sullivan believes that a new charm and community enthusiasm will spark Bell Boulevard’s new energy and excitement around the neighborhood.
“[The fair] is a humble event but a huge step for the BID . . . We are trying to bring back that street essence and neighborhood feel. The BID never sleeps. We are here to make a difference,” said Sullivan.
Also in attendance were City Councilmember Dan Halloran and State Senator Frank Padavan.
