Council Member Vickie Paladino announced on Monday that two Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in her district have been awarded a total of $175,000 in city grants to boost their development and support local businesses.
“Through business visits and regular meetings with local entrepreneurs, I have gained a deep understanding of the resources necessary for their success,” said Paladino, whose district encompasses College Point, Douglaston and Bayside
“As a former small business owner and member of the NYC Council Committee on Small Business, I am proud to help facilitate this much-needed support for businesses in District 19. ”
The notice came in partnership with the Department of Small Business Services (SBS), which works to boost small businesses and jobs across the city. According to the agency, 75 BIDs across the five boroughs collectively receive close to $200 million annually from the agency.
The larger grant, at $100,000, will go towards establishing a College Point BID, which is still in the initial stages of formation. The Queens Chamber of Commerce has supported its development.
Back in Feb. 2024, Paladino discussed the need to revitalize College Point with SBS Deputy Commissioner Calvin T. Brown during a committee meeting in the city council. They touched on the hurdles to bringing business owners on board and how BIDS leads beautification efforts.
“This grant will be a game changer in our efforts to establish the College Point Business Improvement District. With this support, we can enhance the vibrancy of College Point and improve services to local businesses so they can grow and thrive,” said Tom Grech, CEO and President of the Queens Chamber of Commerce.
The Bayside Village BID, representing over 200 businesses, received a $75,000 support grant to help organize community and cultural events on Bell Boulevard. The funding will also be used to jumpstart renovations on the green space around the LIRR station.
“The Bayside Village Business Improvement District is greatly appreciative of and thankful for the consistent advocacy of Council Member Vickie Paladino and her office on our behalf,” said Noah Sheroff, Executive Director of the Bayside Village BID.
The Bayside Village BID’s annual operating budget is between $300K and $500K, less than larger districts in Jamaica, Downtown Flushing, Sunnyside, and Long Island City.
But Sheroff added that the grant would help fund events such as a Lunar New Year celebration and the popular Food and Music Fest in June on the major corridor where businesses are concentrated.
“Investing in our city’s diverse neighborhoods and vibrant commercial corridors is a way to support the well-being of every New Yorker,” said SBS Commissioner Dynishal Gross, who was appointed to the post by Mayor Adams just last week.
Gross’s appointment was announced alongside notice of $4.8 million going towards 64 neighborhood organizations on Sept. 17.
“This round of grants strengthens and expands the infrastructure for neighborhood development, strengthening the local economy and making New York City’s streetscapes safer, more welcoming and more vibrant.”
