The Enhanced
Shopping Experience

The all-important holiday shopping season is underway, which we hope will mean an increase in revenue for small and independent businesses throughout the five boroughs. Festive decorations are popping up all around New York City to usher in a new year and celebrate the holidays. Tourists from all over the world will visit Times Square, and Fifth Avenue will shine brightly along with the other 62 Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) that will embrace the spirit of the holidays.
BIDs are one of the most important cooperatives in our city, joining private and public partnerships that produce vibrant commercial corridors. BIDs are composed of small businesses that are the economic engine of our city. Small businesses account for 98 percent of all companies employing a little over 1.5 million people – more than half of the city’s entire private sector workforce.
As chair of the small business committee, I focus on what we can do to help these businesses succeed, and I understand that the local economy in Ridgewood, Jamaica, Flushing, Elmhurst, Sunnyside and Forest Hills as well as the many other neighborhoods throughout Queens are crucial to New York City’s economic rebound. Locally, we must promote a culture that ensures consumers and retailers build a reciprocity that thrives.
I am proud of the 64 BIDs organized across our great city as they encompass the largest, most comprehensive network of BIDs in the country. I applaud the ones in my district that continue to develop organically – they are flourishing and offer a unique shopping experience.
We’ve been working closely with the retail epicenter of the greater Ridgewood region. The Myrtle Avenue BID is exceptional because it offers services and programs for an enhanced shopping experience to two distinct communities – Bushwick and Ridgewood. The retail zone stretches across Queens, combining a unique blend of old and new businesses all located within the confines of the Ridgewood Historic District.
Also, through Council Capital funding, the Myrtle Avenue BID completed the second phase of their streetscape improvement project: Enhancing and building upon the markers and identity signs depicting historically significant moments in Ridgewood; as well as purchasing two state-of-the-art sidewalk sweeping Green machines. During this holiday season, the mile-long strip will sponsor holiday lighting, music emanating from light-poles and entertainment throughout December.
BIDs are neighborhood projects, supported by the city with local businesses anchoring communities – they have helped revitalize neighborhoods and foster development. They embrace a walk-to-work economy that helps to curb the decline in our city’s middle class and improve quality of life for residents and retailers. BIDs are mirrors, reflecting the varied and socioeconomic backgrounds of communities providing economic empowerment and diversity for women and minorities.
So, for this holiday season and any upcoming occasions, please don’t forget to shop locally and support our BIDs.
If you’re interested in becoming a BID, or learning more about the process, please contact the Department of Small Business Services at
https://www.nyc.gov/html/sbs/html/neighborhood/bid.shtml
I look forward to the celebrations of the holidays in our community, the street lightings, music, ornaments and atmosphere. We are blessed by the diversity of our population and our ability to share in a variety of holiday traditions.
Happy Holidays to All!

Diana Reyna represents the 34th District in Brooklyn/Queens and is chair of New York City Council’s Small Business Committee.