January 2021 Happenings and News

January 2021 | Issue #6

A Fresh Start

2020 is finally over - good riddance!

Though many challenges remain ahead, the BID looks forward to our ongoing work supporting merchants on 5th Ave by connecting them to resources, providing marketing assistance, and being their advocate. We will also continue developing creative programming for the district that both merchants and community members can benefit from.

Though conditions are constantly changing on the ground, merchants can count on us to provide them with the latest information, and residents can know that we are committed to contributing to the quality of life on 5th Ave.

Pooch Puparazzi to Snap Pics on 5th Ave for Photo Contest

Walking your dog creates a lifelong bond that you and your furry best friend will cherish forever. Celebrate Walk you Dog Month with the 5th Ave BID, Brooklyn Pet Supply, and My Natural Pet. Enter your special canine into the Furry Friends of 5th Ave Photo Contest.

Click here to learn about what the best dog photos can win from your local pet care businesses.

Report Focuses on Bay Ridge Commercial Corridors

The Bay Ridge 5th Ave BID is proud to announce the release of it's Commercial District Needs Assessment (CDNA). This report, made possible by an NYC Department of Small Business Services Avenue NYC Grant, highlights the existing business landscape, and local needs and opportunities for commercial revitalization in Bay Ridge. Click here to read more about the report and where you can download your copy.

Toy Drive and Hope for Reopening

Despite her bar being closed during new pandemic restrictions, Pam Pazarecki, owner of PC's Bar, organized Count On Us - a food and toy drive that supported kids in need during the holiday season. Listen to coverage of this story on NetNY TV here.

Tang Spa and Beauty Salon - New Location!

Formerly located at 7406 5th Ave, Tang Spa closed their former location during the spring lockdown. They have opened up a new and beautiful storefront at 7720 5th Ave. Visit today for foot, back and body massage, and facials. Click here for pricing.

This is a forgivable loan offered through the Federal Government's, Small Business Administration that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the pandemic. The first round of funding ran out fast so we recommend preparing now. Click here for list of required documents, eligibility and useful links.

We assist in technology, real estate, legal and accounting services, procurement opportunities, marketing, sources of loans and grants, and more. Click here to learn more and connect with one of our Small Business Support Specialists.

The Interest Rate Reduction Grant will help reduce the interest expense owed on an existing loan with select Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI). The grant will free up cash flow for your business that can be repurposed to help restart or maintain operations.

Click here to learn more about participating CDFI's and if your business might qualify.

Are you a business owner? Click here for some tips from NYPD on how you can protect you establishment from burglars.

A NOTE TO OUR MERCHANTS ON UPDATED REGULATIONS:

After much confusion over a recent "factsheet" released by the mayor's office regarding outdoor dining regulations, we now know that customers are in fact allowed to use the bathroom provided they wear a face covering. Click here for an updated fact sheet on indoor dining restrictions.

According to NY State, windows in outdoor structures do not provide enough airflow and are non-compliant. An structure may only be considered outdoor if it has two sides that are open air. Click here for exact language on guidelines.

The Open Storefronts Program has been extended to September 30,2021. Click here to see how your ground floor retail establishment can take advantage of outdoor areas.

Remember the non-compliant storefront sign debacle? DOB has announced recommended reforms to the permitting process. Click here to read their press release.

This past month...

Dr. Ahmad Jabar, Founder of Arab American Association of New York Dies, Brooklyn Paper, 12/11/20.
How NYC Small Businesses Got Short Shrift on PPP Loans, Bklyner, 12/14/20.
Narrows Coffee Shop is Closing this Week, Brooklyn Reporter, 12/15/20.
Restaurant Rally: Owners Say They've Lived Up to Expectations and Followed the Rules, PIX11, 12/15/20.
Impending Snow Storm has NYC Restaurants Fearing Business Will Suffer During Pandemic, NET.TV, 12/15/20.
Department of Buildings Announces Reforms to Sign-Permitting Process, Brooklyn Paper, 12/16/20.
Outdoor Dining Bathroom Guidance Sparks Criticism, Confusion, ABC7, 12/18/20.
TJ Maxx is Next in Line to be 86'd, Brooklyn Reporter, 12/23/20.
Bay Ridge Hurts Most in Loss of Flagship Retailer Century 21, Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 12/21/20.
'We Need a Life Vest': Brooklyn's Restaurant, Bar Owners Call for Bailout, Brooklyn Paper, 12/22/20.
NY State Says Open Windows In Outdoor Dining Structures Are Not Enough. Will the City Enforce It? Gothamist, 12/24/20.
Brooklyn Venues See Ray of Hope With Passage of 'Save Our Stages Act', Brooklyn Paper, 12/31/20.

Our Letters to Santa event was a hit! Check out the blog to see the full photo-collage featuring Santa visiting 5th Ave businesses before he set out to deliver gifts to the world. Below clockwise: Santa gets a facial from Soma Estetica, pops by the Bean Post for some takeout chow, plays with a hamster at Brooklyn Pet Supply, and picks out some earring for Ms. Clause at Golden Art Fine Jewelers.