The report featured the BID’s work curating art in the district and views of the neighborhood
The Department of Small Business Services released its annual trends report on the impact of BID’s in NYC in an effort to shed light on the work of business improvement districts in 76 neighborhoods citywide. The report features data tracking how BIDs are operating to promote retail corridors and shares highlights of accomplishments from individual BIDs. Among those highlighted was the Grand Street BID’s work commissioning various art murals throughout the neighborhood—most specifically “Olor a Azucenas, el Perfume del Barrio” by Don Rimx at 609 Grand Street.
On the project—the NYC SBS wrote “Grand Street recently completed a large-scale mural, which represents the small business community and serves as an homage to the Puerto Rican heritage of the neighborhood. The mural depicts a well-known flower vendor in San Juan but is meant to represent all local merchants. The BID worked with Don Rimx, a local Puerto Rican artist, and interviewed community members to inform the design. They also coordinated support of the property owner and secured funding from [NYC Council]”.
The report also features data points of the work of BIDs across Brooklyn and citywide. Collectively, the 23 Brooklyn BIDs invested $15.7 million into neighborhoods and collected 924,000 bags of litter. Read the full report for more details on how BID’s are keeping NYC neighborhoods clean, safe, and active.
“BIDs create vibrant, clean, and safe districts that improve neighborhoods and commercial corridors by investing back into their communities,” said Gregg Bishop, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. “This report highlights the long-standing partnership between the City and BIDs, working together to build a stronger New York.”
Here in Williamsburg, this past summer’s mural project is part of an ongoing effort in the Grand Street Neighborhood Initiative to beautify the streetscape of Grand Street for residents and attract visitors to patron our shops. As part of the same project, the BID commissioned several documentaries through Owley and curated murals on the gates at Grand Seafood (98 Bushwick Ave). See our full collection in the art gallery page of our website.
