Downtown Flushing is a dynamic place for “food and fun,” according to Dian Yu, executive director of the Downtown Flushing Transit Hub Business Improvement District (Flushing BID).
“We feel that downtown Flushing can be a window to the world,” Yu said.
Earlier this year, the dedicated organization launched a free coupon book with deals and freebies for 85 total local small businesses, followed by a parking discount and consumer gift program that rewarded those who shopped local. A total of 10,000 coupon books were distributed in a two-week period, the executive director said.
“We definitely feel that we as the BID need to do what we can for the mom and pop shops,” Yu explained. “We feel strongly that they’re the ones that need the most help and make the most impact on the community.”
These two campaigns are only pieces to a larger, ongoing effort to promote the area’s diverse, ever-growing selection of businesses, the executive director said. Yu made note of a recent influx of high-end bakeries and restaurants in the area, as well as a myriad of retail offerings.
“We’re looking to do more for our community in terms of how we can help small businesses grow, how we can connect with them with valuable resources, and what we can collaborate with them on,” Yu said.
The BID also operates the booth in front of the Flushing Library on Main Street and Kissena Boulevard, where residents and visitors can find coupon books, neighborhood guides, bus maps and more useful information. The organization is also working to expand and transform the booth, providing a more interactive experience and expanding the resources available there.
“We were very fortunate to inherit the former police booth in front of the Flushing Library,” Yu said. “We want it to serve as the go-to place for people in downtown Flushing.”
Residents can also look forward to the group’s annual street festival on Sept. 16.
“Our goal is to make this a signature event for downtown Flushing,” Yu said. “The street festival provides a taste of what we have to offer.”
The event is free to the public and will bring local food and retail vendors, performances and a live band to 40th Road, between Prince and Main Street. Food will be available for purchase.
Learn more about the Flushing BID by visiting their website or by calling 718-888-1805.
