The following scope of services of the Business Improvement District has been shaped by a District Needs Survey. Property owners, businesses and residents of the proposed district were asked to answer questions about Park Slope’s Seventh Avenue and needs or problems that might be addressed by an Improvement District. From this Survey a District Plan was constructed, relating these community interests to a budget and revenue plan.
Sanitation, Maintenance –Sanitation services may include, but shall not be limited to, manual or mechanical sweeping and cleaning of sidewalks, curbs and gutters, emptying of pedestrian trash receptacles, replacing of trash receptacle liners and preparing trash for pickup by the City, cleaning of graffiti from street furniture including security gates, maintenance of street trees and tree pits, and snow removal at bus shelters, hydrants and crosswalks. Uniformed Sanitation workers may operate 6 hours per day, 7 days per week. Special attention will be paid to problems of over-flowing trash receptacles, trash bags awaiting pickup being ripped open, and sanitation problems in the hours before shops open – all of which negatively impact a vibrant shopping street. Posters will be removed and catch basins will receive special attention. Close coordination will be maintained with the New York City Department of Sanitation, the local Community Boards, and with private carters. Community and merchant education programs will be held to inform and involve the community in sanitation issues. The Program will complement but will not replace City Sanitation services.
Greening & Beautification – Working with the appropriate City agencies, the BID will coordinate and/or advocate for services or amenities which may include but are not limited to: planting street trees; cleaning or installing tree pits or planers; installing bicycle racks and/or lanes, and any other “greening”, streetscape or capital improvements deemed necessary.
Marketing, Events, and Promotion– Carrying out a district marketing effort and developing online and in-print materials will bolster the district’s identity and create a sense of place for merchants and shoppers. A marketing and promotion program for the District may include joint advertising, special events, school programs, festivals and in print and/or online promotions (such as business directories, social media, maps, etc.). The purpose of the effort is to increase business activity for all retailers and businesses within the District, and better link the district to nearby local and regional destinations, including Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Atlantic Center Mall and the Barclay’s Arena, while highlighting the corridor’s unique identity.
Security – The Security Program may include, but shall not be limited to, installation of security cameras, creation of a Neighborhood Watch and/or safety education programs.
Economic Development & New Initiatives – The district needs survey conducted in 2011-2012 revealed significant local interest in attracting new retailers and restaurants to the corridor, and giving careful attention to the trend in national chain retailers’ growing presence in the district. Economic development activities and new program initiatives to address these needs and concerns, and others related to the health of the Avenue may include, but shall not be limited to, operating business attraction and retention programs; operating a storefront or façade improvement program; creating heritage tourism programs; and hiring a consultant to assist with these efforts and/or to identify and secure additional financial resources for the Park Slope Seventh Avenue BID program initiatives.
Holiday Lighting – Holiday and seasonal decorations may include, but will not be limited to, the installation of ornaments and/or lighting in the District during holidays and the winter holiday season.