Mayor Signs Sunnyside BID Into Law

Photo Spencer Tucker (L. to r.): Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Rob Walsh, Terry Facciuto, Lily Gavin, John Vogt, Councilmember Eric Gioia and Gerry Lederman look on as Mayor Michael Bloomberg (c.) signs legislation creating the Sunnyside Business Improvement District.

On Wednesday, September 5, Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed legislation officially creating the Sunnyside Business Improvement District (BID). Attending the bill signing were Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Rob Walsh and his staff, City Councilmember Eric Gioia, who sponsored the BID legislation in the City Council, and members of the Sunnyside business community, who have worked tirelessly for years to make the BID happen.

Lily Gavin, Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce vice president, heralded the bill signing as a sign of a renaissance for Sunnyside. John Vogt, chamber president said that it signified the beginning of the new Sunnyside, but warned: "It's just the beginning and we still have a lot of work ahead of us."

"This is a great day for Western Queens," Gioia said. "The Sunnyside BID will mean a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming neighborhood. It's wonderful to see everyone come together to work toward a common goal of making our neighborhood an even better place to do business. I want to thank John, Lily, and the other members of the steering committee for their hard work in making this possible, Commissioner Walsh and his staff for their assistance, and Mayor Bloomberg for putting pen to paper and making this a reality after so many years."

Borough President Helen Marshall issued a statement fully supporting the approval of the Sunnyside Business Improvement District. "This designation recognizes the commitment and vitality of the Sunnyside community and will result in a coordinated and comprehensive approach to a multitude of issues affecting the economic climate of this neighborhood," she declared.