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
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 provide dedicated, localized services that go beyond standard City services. These funds can support sidewalk cleaning, landscaping and beautification, public safety initiatives, community events, and promotions that strengthen local businesses.
In simple terms, a BID allows a community to pool its resources and invest directly in making its neighborhood cleaner, safer, more welcoming, and better cared for. These improvements enhance quality of life for everyone who lives, works, and visits the area while also helping support local businesses and protect property values.
More than 78 BIDs successfully operate across New York City, including along Madison Avenue, 125th Street, Columbus Avenue, and in Lincoln Square.
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.
Our proposed BID will deliver:
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.
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.
How will the BID be funded?
If approved, BID programs and services will be funded through a special assessment paid by property owners within the district. 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.
What will I pay?
Assessment amounts vary by property and are based on the property’s assessed value, as determined by the NYC Department of Finance. Eligible commercial and residential properties within the BID would be assessed at approximately $0.001444 per dollar of assessed value. For example, a property assessed at $500,000 would pay approximately $722 per year, or about $60 per month.
Co-op Buildings: The co-op corporation is assessed as one property. The co-op board pays the assessment as a building operating expense, which is then distributed among shareholders based on the number of shares allocated to each apartment.
Residential Tenants: Renters do not pay a BID assessment. By law, landlords cannot pass BID assessments on to residential tenants.
Visit yorkvillebid.org/assessment-lookup to learn more about what you will pay.
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.