May 9, 2011 By Christian Murray
Woodside’s commercial district might be in for a makeover.
Plans are in the works to create a business improvement district (BID) around the Roosevelt Ave / 61 Street corridor, Joe Conley, chairman of community board 2, said.
A BID typically helps upgrade a commercial strip by adding services–from sanitation, capital improvements, to beautification projects—that are funded by special assessments levied on landlords. Often these levies are passed on to business owners as part of their rent.
Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer and Conley are in the early stages of meeting with Woodside business owners to explain the benefits. “We are bringing in BID members from LIC, Sunnyside and Steinway to explain the benefits,” Conley said.
The Woodside BID would most likely cover Roosevelt Ave (between 57th and 63rd Streets) and Woodside Ave. near the 61st subway stop.
“There is a real need for it in Woodside,” Conley said. “It would beautify the neighborhood and increase its vibrancy.”
“The concept has been highly successful elsewhere,” Conley said.
