Strengthening Yorkville Through a Business Improvement District (BID)
Over the past three years, the Yorkville Alliance Steering Committee—made up of local residents, property owners, and tenants—has worked closely with the City to identify the services and improvements most needed in Yorkville.
Based on that work, we are proposing a Business Improvement District (BID) in our area and are seeking your support.
Map of the Proposed District
Cleaner Sidewalks: 7-day-a-week sanitation – sweeping, extra trash removal, power-washing and snow removal at crosswalks.
Enhanced Safety: Uniformed public safety staff, local foot patrols, and a close partnership with the NYPD.
Beautification & Upgrades: Seasonal plantings, tree-bed care, graffiti removal, and refurbished street furniture.
Small Business Support: Neighborhood events, holiday lighting, and marketing to drive foot traffic to our local stores.
A Dedicated Community Advocate: A local office and staff focused entirely on holding City agencies accountable to Yorkville’s specific needs.
Our proposed BID will deliver:
What is a BID? A Business Improvement District (BID) is a nonprofit organization led by a local board made up of property owners, merchants, residents, and community leaders who live and work in the neighborhood. Through a BID, local property owners contribute funding that is reinvested directly back into the district to make the area cleaner, safer, and more welcoming. These funds support services and improvements such as sidewalk cleaning, landscaping, beautification, public safety initiatives, events, and promotions that support local businesses. In simple terms, a BID allows a community to invest directly in improving and caring for its own neighborhood.
Why a BID for Yorkville? While our neighborhood has incredible potential, our streets face growing challenges with trash, graffiti, and a decreasing sense of safety. Over 78 BIDS successfully operate across NYC, including Madison Avenue, 125th Street, Columbus Avenue, and Lincoln Square. A BID allows us to pool our resources for dedicated, localized care that goes far beyond standard City services. Cleaner, safer streets protect property values and improve quality of life for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.
What will it cost? BID programs and services are funded through a special assessment paid by property owners within the district. Assessment structures are unique to each BID and are designed based on the specific needs of the neighborhood. The City of New York assists with collecting the assessment, and 100% of the funds collected are distributed directly to the BID. In addition to assessment revenue, the BID may also receive supplemental funding through grants, sponsorships, and other earned income sources.
All of these funds must be reinvested within the BID boundaries, creating a dedicated $2,000,000 annual fund to support cleaner streets, beautification, public safety, and other neighborhood improvements — all in addition to existing City services, which by law cannot be reduced because of a BID’s presence.
Where are we with the BID? A BID is created through a formal process with New York City’s Department of Small Business Services (SBS). In 2024, the Steering Committee gathered feedback from the community through a neighborhood survey to better understand local needs and priorities. Using that feedback, the group developed a proposed plan for the BID, including the services it would provide, its boundaries, budget, and funding structure.The effort is now in the outreach phase, where community members and property owners are being asked to submit ballots showing their support. If the BID receives the level of support required by SBS, the proposal will then move into the City’s official legislative approval process.
NEXT STEP:
To establish the Yorkville Alliance BID, the City requires support from property owners representing at least 51% of the district's assessed value—and strong community support. Whether you're a resident, property owner, tenant, business owner, employee, or neighborhood supporter, your voice matters.
Vote YES for the Yorkville Alliance BID to create a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant Yorkville.