BID Programs & Services

The BID provides a myriad of services to enhance and improve the District, including: supplemental sanitation services, streetscape beautification and maintenance, business assistance and advocacy, marketing and promotion, and retail development. For more information, see our BID Services Brochure.

Clean Streets

Sanitation
The BID's sanitation contractor Block by Block, provides street cleaning seven days a week from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with extended hours in the summer. Workers sweep sidewalks, curbs, and gutters; clear drains and shovel snow from corners; and empty trash receptacles within in the BID.

Maintenance
In addition to its sanitation crew, Block by Block provides a dedicated Special Projects Ambassador to address specific maintenance issues, including ongoing graffiti removal, deep cleaning, annual painting of the District's street furniture, and other projects above and beyond regular cleaning services.

Beautification & Landscaping

Hanging Baskets
The distinctive hanging baskets on Montague Street’s lamp poles are planted and maintained by local florist - James Weir Floral. The baskets, bursting with colorful flowers and brimming with bright green hanging vines, are constantly watered throughout the spring and summer.

Tree Pit Plantings
The BID continues its efforts to ensure attractive ground coverage year after year, with an extensive planting of perennials. Each year, vincas, day lilies, and daffodils bloom. The BID recently undertook a pilot program to line the tree pit guards with hanging planters. These planters were filled with larger plants that significantly improved the look of the District's tree pits. Plans are underway to expand this program.

Street Trees
The BID also maintains the District's fifty street trees. The BID's arborist provides regular pruning and soil amendments to ensure the trees remain healthy.

Banners
The BID's lamp poles are adorned year-round with colorful seasonal banners, designed by a local Brooklyn artist. Drawn by hand, each banner is unique, building sequentially upon a seasonal theme.

Street Furniture
Installation of Montague Street's decorative street poles, in the 'bishop's crook' style, as well as the BID's fifty tree pit guards, were funded through grants obtained by the BID. Matching black trash receptacles are also provided and maintained by the BID.

The District's Curb Your Dog tree pit signage were generously donated by MySecuritySign.com.

Marketing & Promotion

The BID promotes the District through publications, programs, and advertising. We also host a range of events, including shop local campaigns, street festivals, and seasonal events.

Summer Space
The BID's largest annual event is Summer Space. For two Sundays in September, Montague Street between Clinton and Hicks Streets is closed to vehicular traffic - becoming a pedestrian oasis for visitors to relax, enjoy dance and music performances, participate in activities or learn a new skill, try local cuisine, and enjoy deals and discounts at local businesses. The event is part of Weekend Walks - a series of outdoor street events made possible by the NYC Department of Transportation.

Seasonal Initiatives
Each October, the BID distributes hundreds of pumpkins for merchants to display in their windows and store entrances. As with all of its seasonal programming, the BID's pumpkin giveaway helped to create a unique and enjoyable shopping experience.

In late fall, trees and light poles along Montague Street are decorated with festive holiday lighting and garland. In December, the BID hosts carolers from the Grace & Spiritus Chorale, who sing Christmas carols along Montague Street following a tree lighting ceremony at the Brooklyn Promenade.

To celebrate Flag Day and Independence Day each year, the BID hangs large flags on each of the District's light poles in addition to distributing hundreds of flags to area merchants.

 

Business Development

Advocacy
The BID regularly acts as an advocate when potential projects or policy impact the District’s merchants or property owners. BID representatives regularly attend workshops, testify at Community Board and other government hearings, and meet with city agency officials to voice the concerns and needs of the business community.

When merchants have specific concerns, the BID provides one-on-one assistance to resolve the issue or directs them to the appropriate organization or agency that can help.

The BID advocates for a well-maintained streetscape by monitoring the condition of Montague’s street furniture, roadbed, sidewalks, and signage. Any elements damaged or in need of replacement are then reported to the appropriate City agency.

Outreach
The BID produces a welcome packet for new businesses that includes the BID's Business Services Guide, which outlines the services available to local merchants.

For those not yet on Montague Street but looking to open a business here, a market profile is available on the BID’s website. The profile includes demographic census data and traffic counts.

Communications
The BID provides news and alerts to local businesses, property owners, and subscribers through its quarterly newsletter, regular e-blasts, website, Twitter, and Facebook page. Through a variety of communication outlets, the BID keeps its stakeholders and the greater community up-to-date on BID-sponsored events, resources available, and upcoming projects.