Six Bronx economic development groups from Melrose to Mosholu looking to establish or expand their neighborhood reach will share in new funding grants from the city.
The Department of Small Business Services’ Avenue NYC funding for the new Fiscal Year 13 will go to help the non-profit economic development organizations carry out commercial revitalization activities in the districts they serve.
The Bronx award winners and their plans:
•Mosholu Preservation Corporation – Creating a new merchant association on the White Plains Road corridor running from 230th to 236th Streets and stretching out along 233rd Street.
Michael Lambert of the MPC said the group hopes the merchants association will be the first step in organizing a full-fledged Business Improvement District, with merchants and landlords paying dues for various improvements and street cleaning operations.
•Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation – Attracting more businesses to Southern Boulevard as well as launching a buy local campaign.
•South Bronx Overall Development Corporation – Attracting new businesses to Southern Boulevard, and organizing the Tremont Business and Community Organizations.
•Kingsbridge Business Improvement District – Developing and launching a Web site for the Kingsbridge Business Improvement District through Avenue NYC’s Web site Development Program.
•Kingsbridge-Riverdale-Van Cortlandt Development Corporation – Creating an association to support the merchants of Marble Hill.
•Bronx Council of the Arts Incorporated – Hosting workshops to help aspiring entrepreneurs develop skills they need to succeed.
Under Mayor Bloomberg, the City has granted about $2 million to 50 organizations annually.
Last fiscal year ending June 30, city officials said Bronx-based Avenue NYC-funded organizations attracted 11 new businesses to their corridors, and revitalized four merchant associations.
“Avenue NYC has helped New York City’s retail districts remain vibrant places in which to live, work, and do business,” said Small Business commissioner Rob Walsh. “These funds help support the activities of many of New York’s innovative and dedicated non-profit economic development organizations as they work to improve their neighborhoods.”
Avenue NYC funding is available for six project categories: Business Attraction, Façade Improvement Management, Merchant Organizing, Capacity Building Initiatives, Placemaking, and Web site Development.
This year, more than $200,000 in Avenue NYC funding has been awarded to the following Bronx-based organizations and proposed plans:
