Atlantic Avenue BID Moves Closer to Approval

The bid for a BID on Atlantic Avenue is getting closer to approval. At a City Planning public hearing on December 1, two supporters of the proposal spoke in favor of it and no one spoke against it. An official decision by City Planning will be made on January 5.

Business Improvement Districts (BID) have been popping up throughout Brooklyn over the last several years and Atlantic Avenue may be next to get one. With unanimous votes of support from Community Boards 2 and 6, the Atlantic Avenue BID could be up and running as early as July, 2011.

"I've had a business in this neighborhood for 10 years and I fully support the new BID," said Barbara Clurman, co-owner of  on Atlantic Avenue and co-chair of the Atlantic Avenue BID Steering Committee. "It will make us a better avenue, a better streetscape and help us take advantage of all the beautification resources."

The purpose of the BID is to promote the long-term economic development of the avenue through marketing and promotion, capital improvements, beautification projects and sanitation and business services that improve economic conditions, according to the BID website. 

"It's one of the largest avenues in Brooklyn, but I find it only gets busy on the weekends," said Amy Richardson, a Carroll Gardens resident who lives on Court St. "Having a BID there would definitely help to increase traffic in the area during the week."

The proposed Atlantic Avenue BID, with an annual budget of $240,000, will represent over 300 businesses in the Brooklyn Heights, Boerum Hill and Cobble Hill areas. It will include all properties fronting Atlantic Avenue from the BQE to 4th Avenue, and one block north and south on all side streets within the district. 

"The formation of the Atlantic Avenue BID will provide sustainable resources for marketing and promotion for businesses along the avenue, thereby generating additional foot traffic and revenues in the area," said Ashley Thompson, Legislative Director for Council Member Stephen Levin at the City Planning hearing. "The BID will also preserve the historic nature of the Brownstone Brooklyn commercial corridor."

There are some local business owners who take issue with the extra taxes. An additional payment of approximately $20 per linear foot of property would be due each year.

But one business owner who once opposed the BID has softened his stance.

"Initially I wasn't in favor of the BID until I received a summons because of an overflowing trash can on the street near my store," said John McGill, owner of Two for the Pot, located just north of Atlantic Avenue. "The extra sanitation efforts would definitely help improve business in the area."

Clurman said she sees the additional payment as money well spent.

"I'll end up paying about $500 a year, which comes out to $1.40 per day," said Clurman. "With that money, we'll get access to so many resources that we don't have as individual merchants."