Bids & Boards

Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) and the Nostrand Avenue Merchants Association are kicking off a commercial revitalization initiative this month as part of an effort to enhance business opportunities for retailers and improve store fronts on Nostrand Avenue between Fenimore Street and Lenox Road, James Sanford, director of Community Development at BEDC, has announced.

“We have a unique opportunity on these five blocks of Nostrand Avenue,” said Mr. Sanford,. who is serving as project manager for the Nostrand Avenue Commercial Revitalization Initiative. “This section of Nostrand Avenue is located next to SUNY Downstate Medical Center, the newly & constructed SUNY Downstate Advanced Biotechnology Center, and Kings County Hospital, which is undergoing a major redevelopment. Together; the facilities employ more than 6,000 people who are potential customers for businesses along NostrandAvenue.”

“The goal of the project is to increase, business activity and attract shoppers to the area,” said Benfield Munroe, executive director of the Nostrand Avenue Merchants Association, which represents businesses from Eastern Parkway to Linden Boulevard. “I hope the new initiative will act as a catalyst for implementing a Business Improvement District along Nostrand Avenue.”

As part of the Nostrand Avenue Commercial Revitalization Initiative, focus groups will be held in April with merchants; residents, property owners, and employees who work in the area, and online surveys will be distributed to a broader section of local employees. The goal is to assess the quality of goods and services offered on Nostrand Avenue and what improvements, if any, are needed to enhance the quality of life and stimulate trade for vendors and businesses.

Department of Small Business Services has increased grants for storefront improvements on this area of Nostrand Avenue to $3,500 and streamlined the process for filing applications.