Programs & services
CLEAN STREETS
Last year, the BID's sanitation crew logged 17,000 hours and removed 1,500 tons of
litter from Jamaica Avenue - that's 4 tons of garbage every
day.
Supplemental Sanitation
The BID Sanitation Crew is responsible for keeping 30 blocks
clean and litter-free. Starting at 7 am, 7 days per week,
the crew provides supplemental sanitation services - sweeping
the sidewalks and removing garbage. Throughout the day, bagged
trash is picked up and taken to a NYC Department of Sanitation
site.
Maintenance
One of our primary goals in maintaining the appearance of
Jamaica Center is keeping the area free of graffiti vandals.
Partially due to the BID's prompt removal of any graffiti
in the district, incidents of graffiti have decreased significantly.
The sanitation crew continuously removes posters, stickers,
and signs from the more than 100 streetlights, parking meters,
kiosks, mailboxes and fireboxes throughout the district.
Every other year, the BID removes the gum deposits from the brick sidewalks. On alternate years, the BID has the sidewalks power washed. Power washing and gum removal are labor intensive, but well
worth the time when the task is completed and the bricks look
like new. The sidewalks are also cleared of snow by the maintenance
crew in inclement weather.
MARKETING & PROMOTION
Last year, the BID distributed 52,000 shopping bags and 5,000
Map & Guides, and hosted 33 special events.
Ambassador Program
Every Saturday from March until December, our Ambassador meet shoppers visiting from as
far away as Michigan and South Carolina to shop on 'The Avenue'.
The Ambassador greeter distributes our signature shopping bags, Map & Guide, and packets of annual flower seeds
thanking our shoppers for patronizing our stores. In addition
to the giveaways, our Ambassador gives directions, provides
general information, and most importantly, greets everyone with a warm smile.
Shopper's Map & Guide
The BID prints a Jamaica Center Map &
Guide, which last year it distributed more than 5,000. The
Map & Guides highlight the district's stores and points
of interest in the area. Along with the Guides, the BID gave away
52,000 Jamaica Center "It's In The Bag" shopping bags. Their
distinctive color, size and design make them easily identifiable
and are a "hot item" on the Avenue.
Sidewalk Sales Days
Throughout the year, the BID schedules Sidewalk Sales Days
to allow our merchants to display merchandise outside their
stores. Sales Days give BID merchants the opportunity
to attract new shoppers and generate
additional sales. This year, the BID added an additional weekend to it Sidewalk
Sales Days 2009 calendar. Check "News & Events" for an updated schedule of events.
Santa Land
During the month leading up to Christmas, Santa Claus visits Jamaica Avenue to hear Christmas wishes, and have his photo taken with children and their families. Thursday through Sunday at the Jamaica Multiplex ground floor
lobby from 12pm-6pm. Located on Jamaica Avenue at Parsons
Blvd. Check "News & Events" for an updated schedule of events.
Walking Tours
Launched in 2000, the Walking Tours offer special insight to Jamaica's
secrets and are a wonderful opportunity to discover the area's
rich history. One of the earliest settlements in New York, Jamaica boasts churches and cemeteries centuries old. Stops include private entrance to arguably New York’s grandest theater meticulously restored, and the Illinois Jacquet Chapel at Prospect Cemetery.
The BID works collaboratively with
local organizations to gain access to special sites. All
tours are FREE. See "News & Events" for an updated schedule of events.
Banner Program
The BID has 52 banners that run along Jamaica Avenue from
Sutphin Blvd to 169th Street. The banners are seasonal in
theme and changed four times a year. The banners beautify
and create a cohesive and unified look for the district.
Holiday Lights Program
Every year during the Fall/Winter holiday season, the BID
installs holiday lights along Jamaica Avenue & Union Hall
Street. In 2008, the BID updated its holiday lighting program,
adding new streamer lights, three giant snowflakes and two
'Welcome to Jamaica Center' signs.
Advertising
The BID actively advertises and promotes Jamaica Center via
direct mailing, radio and print advertising, and public relations
efforts. The BID has partnered with other local organizations
to promote the district's retail & cultural attractions.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
District Advocacy
The BID is an active and powerful advocate for the district. One success for the BID has been the successful push for the replacement of the district's outdated and dilapidated light poles. The poles are expected to be replaced in late 2009/early 2010.
Business Assistance & Retail Development
Retail is Jamaica Avenue's core business. The BID works one-on-one
to provide business assistance to current merchants and hosts events specially targeted toward helping our business community. Whether
it's helping independent owners find small business loans,
soliciting input on group marketing initiatives, or assisting
with city services or agency issues, the BID is there to help.
In addition, the BID works to educate the retail community
and highlight opportunities in the district by working on retail marketing materials
for the district, maintaining a vacancy list, and providing
demographic and statistical data of the district and the community.
Community Development
The BID is a strong supporter of many local community organizations.
For youth development, the BID supports the Midori Foundation for special music
programs for children, is a strong supporter
of Jamaica Kids (a non-profit day care center located in the
Joseph P. Addabbo Social Security Building), and donates to the King
Manor Museum's educational and cultural programs.
We continue to support the 103rd Community
Council's National Night Out and Children's
Holiday Party, and contribute to local soup kitchens during the holiday season. |
