The Sunset Park Business Improvement District (BID) has been advocating and promoting the 5th Avenue shopping corridor since 1995. Within its 26 blocks, stretching from 38th to 64th Streets, the Sunset Park BID includes over 500 businesses, the 24-acre Sunset Park, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica and a U.S. Post Office.
Almost any services someone may need can be found on 5th Avenue. There are clothing stores for men, women and children. Nail salons, variety stores, pharmacies, brokerages, tax preparers and medical offices abound. There are restaurants serving food from the many cultures representing the mix of residents within the community, highlighted by breathtaking views of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty from the highest point in Brooklyn.
The Sunset Park BID is made possible by the business owners on 5th Avenue who wanted to create a successful commercial strip, managing supplemental sanitation services, continual graffiti removal, decorative banners and holiday lights. Working successfully with local elected officials, the district has seen enhancements such as historic lampposts and decorative corner litter receptacles.
The Sunset Park BID hosts numerous events throughout the year. In June, the BID participates in the city-wide Make Music New York with free music shows along the avenue, and a free Sing for Hope piano in the park event for everyone to enjoy. Over the summer, the BID sponsors Saturdays of Summer Plazas/Weekend Walks in partnership with the Department of Transportation with lots of fun activities. The annual Street Festival features two stages with all-day free entertainment, free child ID kits through the 72nd Precinct, the Brooklyn Public Library bookmobile and the FDNY Fire Safety House.
The holiday season is especially important with Small Business Saturday, a Holiday Parranda, a free trolley and the annual 18-foot Holiday Tree. The BID, in cooperation with Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica, hosts a tree lighting ceremony with local children entertaining to ring in the holiday season. Nearly 300 children receive free goody bags and a picture with Santa. This year’s tree lighting is set for Nov. 30.
The BID utilizes all the social media options – Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook – to feature live videos from events and businesses. The BID offers customers a free Sunset Park 5th Avenue BID App, which can be downloaded through Google Play, Apple iTunes or a QR code.
After 22 years of operation, the businesses of 5th Avenue have been successful in connecting with customers and becoming an integral part of the local neighborhood. The Sunset Park BID continues to advocate for both the business and residential communities in order to create a viable commercial strip and to enhance the quality of life in Sunset Park.
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