"The sixth bill before me today is Introductory Number 842, sponsored at the request of the Administration by Council Members Weprin, Comrie, and James.  This bill establishes the Fulton Street Business Improvement District in the Clinton Hill and Fort Greene neighborhoods of Brooklyn.

"This new Business Improvement District is comprised of over 200 commercial businesses including upscale clothing boutiques, multicultural eateries, laundromats, postal services, hair salons and hardware stores.  The budget for the first year of operation is $300,000.

"Business Improvement Districts, also known as 'BIDs,' are voluntarily formed community organizations that promote business development and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods across the City.  Established by local law, BIDs are self-funded by local property owners and are overseen by the City's Department of Small Business Services.  BIDs are valuable economic tools that strengthen and stabilize commercial and industrial areas.

"The Fulton Street BID, the eighteenth established under our Administration, and the second along Fulton Street, will provide maintenance and sanitation services, security services, marketing and promotion of local businesses, holiday lighting, economic development, beautification and landscaping.  The services provided to the community are essential to ensuring that small businesses, and the neighborhoods in which they operate, are given every opportunity to succeed.

"I would like to thank Small Business Services Commissioner Rob Walsh and his staff for their role in establishing this BID.  I also want to acknowledge the important contributions of the members of the Fulton Street BID Steering Committee and the City Council.