New York City will provide relief for small businesses across the City seeing a reduction in revenue because of COVID-19.

About the BID

Formed in 1988, the Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District provides services to keep Flatbush Avenue from Parkside Avenue to Cortelyou Road clean, safe, and profitable for its businesses. The BID is supported through a special tax assessment levied on properties within the BID which pays for supplemental sanitation, a public safety program, community events, holiday lights, administrative costs, and marketing promoting BID businesses and the Avenue as a shopping destination. Every year, we provide stipends to several high school students and the 70th Precinct’s Explorers program and collaborate with nonprofits in organizing free community events. Our staff works closely with government officials and agencies to promote policies and regulations that help small businesses; assist businesses dealing with government agencies and regulations; and create activities to promote Flatbush as a great place to shop and to open a business.

Managed for 22 years by the late Jack Katz, the BID is now managed by Executive Director Lauren Elvers Collins, Compliance Manager Hope Moriki, BID Program Manager Jessica Kane, and Program Manager for Commercial Revitalization Toni Leotaud and is overseen by our volunteer board of directors representing property owners, commercial tenants, and representatives of Mayor Eric Adams, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Council Member Rita Joseph, and NYC Comptroller Brad Lander. Lauren manages the BID as well as the adjacent Church Avenue BID. The two BIDs are in the process of merging which is expected to be effective mid-2023. The merger should allow for economies of scale, decreased administrative costs, increased leverage in negotiating contracts, and a stronger presence with city agencies and government officials.