How the BID Works
A Business Improvement District gives downtown property owners and merchants a way to fund, and steer, services that make the corridor cleaner, safer and more successful.
Proposed Services
What the BID Would Fund
Based on a community survey and years of conversations with stakeholders, the steering committee proposes these services, plus dedicated staff to manage them.
Clean Streets
Enhanced sidewalk sweeping, graffiti removal and snow removal at corners.
Public Safety
A community-based public safety program for shoppers, workers and residents.
Streetscape & Decorations
Holiday lighting, banners and decor that make downtown feel welcoming.
Business Support
Technical assistance, recovery help and advocacy for resources.
Marketing & Events
District branding, social media promotion and events that bring customers in.
Advocacy
A single voice working with City agencies to solve district concerns.
By law, no existing City services, such as police or sanitation, may be reduced as a result of BID services. BID services are in addition to what the City provides.
Proposed District
Boundaries
These are the properties shown on the official Far Rock Village BID map. Final boundaries are confirmed through the City’s legislative process.
- Mott Avenue, from Dix Avenue east to Nameoke Street
- Central Avenue, Bayport Place and Village Lane, on the north side of Mott Avenue
- Beach 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd Streets, between Mott Avenue and Cornaga Avenue
- Cornaga Avenue, from Beach 22nd Street to Beach 19th Street
- Beach 20th Street, continuing south from Cornaga Avenue to Seagirt Boulevard
- New Haven Avenue, from Beach 20th Street to Key Food at 20-20 New Haven Avenue
- Residential parcels on Elk Drive, Plainview Avenue and Fernside Place
Formation
The Road to a BID
Every NYC BID follows the same City process, overseen by NYC Small Business Services.
Planning
Steering committee formed, community surveyed, services and district plan drafted.
Outreach
Property owners, merchants, residents and community groups are informed and asked to sign on.
Legislative Review
Public reviews and hearings, including the Community Board and a City Council vote, then the Mayor’s approval.
Launch
A Board is seated, a nonprofit district management association is formed and services begin.
How a BID is funded
Property owners in the district pay an annual assessment. The NYC Department of Finance collects it, and every dollar is returned to the BID to pay for services chosen by its Board of Directors.
The proposed formula is based on each property’s lot frontage and commercial square footage. Increases require Board approval and a City legislative process.
Business support today
REMA4US already connects merchants with NYC SBS resources, promotion and events. General meetings are held in the lower-level meeting room at 1032 Beach 20th Street.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Business Improvement District?
A BID is a defined commercial area where property owners fund supplemental services, such as sanitation, public safety, beautification and marketing. New York City has 78 BIDs, including the Times Square Alliance and the Long Island City Partnership.
Who leads the Far Rock Village BID effort?
A steering committee of property owners, merchants and community stakeholders. REMA4US Inc., a merchant-based nonprofit serving downtown Far Rockaway, oversees the steering committee in partnership with NYC Small Business Services (SBS).
Who pays, and how much?
Property owners in the district are billed the assessment, which is based on frontage and commercial square footage. Contact us for an estimate for your property. Final rates are set through the City’s process.
Who decides how the money is spent?
The BID’s Board of Directors, made up mostly of district property owners and merchants, along with residents and representatives of elected officials, approves the budget and services each year.
Will City services be cut?
No. By law, BID services are in addition to City services, which cannot be reduced because a BID exists.
How do I sign on or ask questions?
Visit Sign the Ballot, call 347-752-9106 or email info@rema4us.org.
Stay in Touch
Questions about the BID, an upcoming event or your storefront? We want to hear from you.
