Photo Courtesy of JFK BID Planning Committee
The BID’s Planning Committee organized images of off-airport “areas of concern” that, the panel said, “may need special attention, mitigation or direct improvement.”
By Michael V. Cusenza
Mayor Bill de Blasio recently signed legislation authorizing the creation of the Greater JFK Business Improvement District in southeast Queens.
The new BID – a public/private partnership in which property and business owners elect to make a collective contribution to the maintenance, development, and promotion of their commercial district – aims to bolster the economic competitiveness of John F. Kennedy International Airport and its air cargo industry.
Business Improvement Districts deliver supplemental services such as: sanitation; public safety and hospitality; marketing and promotions; capital improvements; beautification; district representation; and business development.
According to the administration, JFK is the second-largest employer in the borough, with 69,000 employees and $4.1 billion in wages annually. More than 15,000 people at JFK work directly in air cargo-related jobs.
The administration indicated that the new Greater JFK BID will be formed in collaboration with the City Department of Small Business Services and in response to a 2013 report published by the City Economic Development Corporation that identified ways to improve JFK’s economic potential as a commercial hub. The BID will look to catalyze JFK’s economic development by reinforcing over 500 businesses in the area that provide logistical support in importing and exporting 1.3 million tons of highly valuable goods that pass through the airport annually.
“JFK Airport is integral to the city’s economy as the second-largest employer in Queens, and area stakeholders, civic groups and businesses play an equally vital role in helping to grow good jobs for the community,” said NYCEDC President Maria Torres-Springer. “The Greater JFK Business Improvement District will reinforce JFK Airport’s standing as a major global competitor, bolster our air cargo industry and catalyze economic growth for hundreds of businesses in Southeast Queens. I applaud SBS and the Greater JFK IBID Planning Committee for their hard work in making this exciting project a reality.”
The aforementioned Planning Committee began exploring the concept of a JFK-area BID more than three years ago. In April, the Queens Borough Board approved the plans for the new group, and voted unanimously in favor of recommending the creation of the BID.
The seven-acre District is located in Springfield Gardens and composed of private properties containing customs brokers, freight forwarders, messenger and logistical services, trucking and maintenance companies. The air and ocean cargo-related businesses exist alongside other light industrial and retail uses, hotels, community-service and government facilities, as well as more than 150 single-family homes.
According to the Planning Committee, the purpose of the proposed Greater JFK BID is: “to support the off-airport air cargo and services district by providing technical and professional services, supplemental assistance and improvements, and effective advocacy and administration for all district members; and to enhance the quality of life and the recognition of the diverse experiences of all who work ,visit, and live within and adjacent to the district, and to encourage members of the district to be ‘good neighbors,’ striking a reasonable balance between industrial, commercial, and residential interests.”
Expected Services and
Improvements
Advocacy and Administration: The BID will advocate on behalf of the neighborhood to policy makers and other stakeholders.
Neighborhood Coordination: The BID will provide a forum for productive discussions between local residents and commercial, office and industrial tenants and owners on matters of mutual concern. The BID will be a central point for communication and coordination regarding issues affecting the district.
District Marketing, Networking and Labor Force Development: The Greater JFK BID will establish a positive district identity through an informational website, access to industry networking, client and funding sources, matching-up labor force with area businesses, support tenant outreach and highlight hotel and other specialized industries.
Public Safety and Security: The Greater JFK BID will work to improve district lighting, coordinate with the NYPD to prioritize district needs and examine the possible use of security cameras, private security or NYPD paid detail.
Sanitation/Snow Removal and Maintenance Services: The Greater JFK BID will coordinate with NYC Department of Sanitation to prioritize district needs, supplement sanitation or snow removal services by third party contractor as needed and target illegal dumping.
Technical Services and Planning Studies for Project Development: The Greater JFK BID will coordinate district-wide traffic, transportation, and parking needs, as well as streetscape and building improvements, site-specific development plans and environmental issues.
