Summary

The Forest Avenue Business Improvement District is proud to provide a wide variety of services to the merchants and property owners on Forest Avenue between Hart Blvd. and Broadway. Since our inception, the Forest Avenue BID Board of Directors and the Staten Island Business Outreach Center (SIBOC) have launched a number of initiatives including area beautification, advocacy collective marketing, special events, small business promotion, pole banners and holiday lights installation. The purpose of these services is to promote a safe and clean commercial destination for all Staten Islanders!

Marketing Efforts

The Forest Avenue BID delivers a quarterly newsletter to keep our merchants, property owners and community informed on current events! In it, we highlight BID activities such as the Holiday and Spring Festivals, introduce new businesses along the BID, providing a forum for BID businesses to announce their special events, and encourage the participation of all the businesses.

Business Page – Having a business page on the BID’s website is like having your own company website. This business page is already equipped with a gallery, business information, hours of operation, and links to your social media accounts. You will also be able to list your blog contributions, exclusive deals and even products and events. To claim your business page and begin the process, visit www.forestavebid.com/claim to submit your request.

Events Calendar – Aside from our annual community festivals and parades, most businesses host weekly and monthly events that can now be displayed on our community calendar. Whether it’s a fundraiser, karaoke, zumba class or brunch, you can now list your event for thousands to see. To submit your next event, visit www.forestavebid.com/add-event

Community Blog – The community blog enables you to share valuable information to existing and future customers. Whether it’s financial advice, health tips or even a quick holiday recipe, the community blog gives you an opportunity to promote our business while educating thousands of site visitors. To submit a blog, you must first claim your business at www.forestavebid.com/claim

Social Media Management – Scheduled monthly posts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube and Linkedin to increase page likes and new followers while driving traffic back to company website.

Email Marketing – Monthly and bi-monthly email blasts.

Deals and Offers – Showcase and promote new products, services and exclusive deals within our marketplace.

Merchants who take advantage of these features increase their chances of acquiring new customers. If you would like to schedule your free one-on-one consulting session, please contact our Marketing Director Jonathan Joseph via email forestavebid@gmail.com or by calling 718.688.4675

Area beautification

Creating a safe and clean commercial destination is one of the Forest Avenue BID’s primary initiatives. Through our budget allocation process, the Forest Avenue BID provides the following services to merchants and property owners:

Sidewalk Sweeping

• 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

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.

Anti-Graffiti Program

Graffiti is a blight that brings down a neighborhood and we all need to be vigilant. 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.

Holiday Lights

Every year, the Forest Avenue BID brings the holiday spirit to Forest Avenue by installing holiday lights along the commercial corridor. The holiday lighting adds a unique neighborhood and shopping experience for local residents.

Future Initiatives Under Discussion 2018 – Roadside Planters and American Flags

The Forest Avenue BID Board of Directors will be discussing the installation of planters along the entire commercial corridor in 2018! The planters will be tailored to fit the unique culture and character of the neighborhood. Installation will include planter signage promoting the BID and a bi-annual maintenance plan that provides seasonal re-planting, trimming and mulch application.  In addition to the planters, we will discuss installing American flags on the utility poles on Forest Avenue between Hart Blvd. and Broadway. The flags will be installed prior to the Fourth of July and remain up until the first week of September.

Special Events

Annual Holiday Stroll

Every December, the Forest Avenue BID holds a holiday stroll on Forest Avenue. The community event features a visit from Santa, carolers and costumed characters. Local businesses offer goodies to neighbors and strangers alike during the stroll. Restaurants serve soups and stews and some of our bakeries offer free cups of coffee/cookies or discounts on products. Stay tuned on our event page for more details!

Annual Spring Restaurant Stroll

The annual restaurant stroll held in April, features over a dozen eateries from throughout the district. Guests who purchase tickets can enjoy sample dishes while the BID raises funds towards future events and marketing efforts. The daytime street festivals features musical performances, special guests, and rides and attractions for the entire family.