Programs & Initiatives
Sanitation services
Our Services
Sidewalk Sweeping:
From the first time the property and business owners talked about the possibility of a BID along Forest Avenue, sanitation was one of the primary services requested. Having clean sidewalks, curbs and catch-basins is one of the most important marketing efforts that a shopping district can do.
Sweeping up along the curb
No one enjoys shopping in a litter-strewn area! A dirty sidewalk is not only aesthetically unappealing, it also gives the impression to the shopper that the area is not safe.
The BID provides basic sanitation services for the 12 blocks located in the Forest Avenue BID seven days a week, eight hours a day. Included in these services are:
- sweeping the sidewalks and gutters
- removing graffiti from public surfaces (telephones, mailboxes, fire hydrants etc)
- removing snow from crosswalks and bus stops
- weeding and mowing of green areas between the sidewalk and the street
All questions, suggestions or complaints should be directed to us at (718) 816-4775 or ForestAvenueBID@verizon.net
Trash Receptacles:
In 2007, ten trash receptacles manufactured from high grade steel were placed in high-traffic areas where litter had been a problem. In 2008, ten more trash receptacles were added.
The BID logo appears on each pail, so they serve both as an additional sanitation effort and a marketing tool. These large attractive receptacles help remind shoppers to properly dispose of their litter.
Marketing Efforts:
The Forest Avenue BID delivers its newsletter to the BID businesses and property owners the first week of each month. In it, we highlight BID activities such as the Holiday and Spring Festivals, introduce new businesses along the BID, provide a forum for BID businesses to announce their special events, and encourage the participation of all the businesses.
Our advertising campaign uses print, television and direct mail. We advertise “The Outdoor Mall where you can buy it all” on the Weather Channel throughout the year.
Anti-Graffiti Program:
Our anti-graffiti service is made possible through generous grants from the New York City Council. We now remove graffiti each month from buildings that are identified by BID administration. During 2007, sixty-six graffiti markings were removed.
The BID administration helps the NYC 120th Precinct by identifying suspects. As was reported in the SI Advance, two of the Island’s most notorious graffiti painters were apprehended due to increased surveillance.
Graffiti is a blight that brings down a neighborhood and we all need to be vigilant. Please report all graffiti to BID administration at (718) 816-4775. If possible, provide a picture of the graffiti, which we will share with the NYPD to assist in identifying suspects.
