By Phil Corso
Last year, Gregg Sullivan proudly coined “The New Vitality” as Bayside’s battle cry for new business.
But now, with an annual board election looming for the Bayside Village Business Improvement District, the former executive director has shifted gears, hoping his newest slogan will catch on: “Be Attentive.”
And that is exactly what Sullivan said he wanted to promote in proposing what he called a dream team board to be considered in the BID’s annual election July 16 at 6 p.m. inside Redeemer Lutheran Church, at 36-01 Bell Blvd.
“I’m hoping to get people more involved,” Sullivan said, “so I recommended people who would be ideal for Bayside. I have met with them all and they have the right mindset for Bell Boulevard.”
In a statement, Sullivan proposed a slate of Bayside representatives to bring new blood to the BID’s board. Though Sullivan complimented the work of the current board, he said the BID should consider term limits for its members to ensure a sustainable supply of energy and enthusiasm.
“The people I have picked would get things done for this area, and they are not in this for the politics,” Sullivan said. “It’s time to rally Bayside together with this ‘dream come true’ board of directors.”
Sullivan said he made his picks based on years of patrolling the streets and businesses of Bayside Village. While not all of his picks have wholeheartedly agreed to run for the BID’s board of directors, Sullivan said he had submitted his slate by the July 2 deadline to ensure the option would be available come Election Day.
The board proposal included recommendations of Uncle Jack’s Steakhouse CEO William Degel as chairman, Mark Boccia of Bourbon Street as vice chairman, Joe Meltzer of Empress Travel as treasurer and David Lilienthal of Edward Jones financial advising as secretary.
As for himself, Sullivan said he would agree to volunteer his time as a co-executive director to work alongside his successor and current Executive Director Lyle Sclair for free, if permitted.
“I could help give Lyle Sclair and the BID what it needs, which is a home boy who can provide 24-hour management of Bell Boulevard,” Sullivan said. “I can watch over these streets. It is the best of all possible worlds.”
As for other potential board members not included in Sullivan’s proposed slate, current BID Chairman Jim Riso said although he would not seek re-election for his current position, he still hoped to remain active on the board if elected.
Sullivan said he picked Degel as the ideal chairman because of what he brings to Bayside’s business district on Bell Boulevard. Though Degel has not yet officially agreed to act as the BID chairman, Sullivan said he hopes he would sign on with enough public support.
The proposed slate also included 10 board members, all of whom Sullivan said came from Bayside with the right mindset to lead the area’s businesses into a healthier future, including Chris McManus of C.J. Sullivan’s.
Reach reporter Phil Corso by e-mail at pcorso@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.
