Glen Cove BID Works to Stimulate Downtown Economy

The letters BID are apt to be attached to the latest happening in downtown Glen Cove–whether it be a special event, beautification project, or the annual Halloween parade.

is one of many throughout the state, established by an act of the New York State legislature in 1980, to fund supplemental and non-government services and generally enhance the business environment of a downtown. 

Glen Cove established the city's BID in 1997. It encompasses the historic downtown of the city in general from Brewster Street to Town Path. All businesses within the defined area must be members of the BID and pay an additional assessment to fund its programs. 

While the also includes businesses in the historic downtown, its members also come from well beyond that area, as well as organizations doing business in Glen Cove. The Chamber also conducts programs throughout the city to enhance the health and profitability of its members.  

Legislation to create BIDs was enacted to staunch the bleeding and dying of downtowns in local communities and to help with their revivals, according to Francine Koehler, executive director of the Glen Cove BID, who has been with the BID since 1999. They are regulated by the state, are made up of boards of directors representing the downtown's commercial interests, members of community government and residents.

The BID assessment is part of the commercial tax structure, collected by the city, then turned over to the BID. The board approves programs and budgets. All board meetings are open to the public. Information on meetings and programs are posted on the BID's website and updated continuously.

"The assessment money must go back to downtown," Koehler said, "for things like beautification, capital improvements, security, special events, etc. But any of these programs must be over and above what the city provides."

One of the advantages of the BID, Koehler said, is that the tax assessment provides a dedicated income stream, but the organization can also fund-raise and apply for grants for programs.

"We have a lot of dedicated people with a lot of great ideas," she said. 

Much of what the BID orchestrates downtown is out there for all to see, like the crowds that attended the Downtown Sounds concert series all summer, or who attended the auto shows, or the couples who raced around looking for the $25,000 engagement ring offered by London Jewelers a few weeks back. On the other hand, when something doesn't work, it's painfully obvious as well. 

"My biggest disappointment has been having so little success in getting a farmer's market going in the parking lot behind the library," Koehler said. "I worked for five years to get that going, but it was very lightly attended and that discourages the vendors, who don't come back." 

In the weeks and months ahead, the BID's programs will continue to decorate and provide activities focused on the downtown.  On Saturday, Nov. 27, there will be the annual Christmas tree and candle lighting ceremonies, preceded by horse and carriage rides, children's pictures with Santa Claus, along with musical entertainment. 

Planning is also underway for next summer's Downtown Sounds.