A local business improvement district celebrated a milestone in style last week.
The Fordham Road Business Improvement District celebrated its decennial in a Friday, February 19 ceremony at the Bronx Zoo’s Schiff Family Great Hall.
The BID marked the achievement with an awards ceremony recognizing its many supporters throughout the years. A special photo/video collage showcased the BID’s many accomplishments.
Wilma Alonso, Fordham Road BID executive director, gave the presentation noting the BID’s contributions in having 145 trees planted and for the installation of 21 guard rails, 77 trash cans and recycling bins, 16 benches, 25 planters and three temporary public art displays in the area throughout the years.
Looking toward the future, Alonso said they plan to host larger events following Bryan Park’s opening and are in the process of formalizing agreements, securing vendors and developing plans to promote commerce at the recently opened Fordham Plaza.
This year’s Meeting of the Membership guest speaker was Councilman Ritchie Torres who has aided the BID in several instances including securing approval for the Fordham Road Festival’s restoration.
“I see Fordham Road as the bedrock of business in the Bronx and you are going to count on my support well into the future,” said Torres, adding. “The Fordham Road BID is the heart and soul of the community’s business corridor so lets all cheer them to another ten years.”
Torres then presented Fordham Road BID with a New York City Council proclamation honoring their anniversary and their outstanding contributions to the Fordham Road shopping corridor’s growth.
New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer made a surprise visit.
Following a brief speech, the comptroller presented the BID a commendation recognizing their decade of outstanding work fostering commercial and economic development in the Fordham Road area, offering exceptional networking opportunities for local businesses and for special community events to help expand opportunities for Fordham’s many businesses and entrepreneurs.
As is customary for the BID, they paid it forward by bestowing engraved glass awards to their sponsors and community partners which included Councilman Fernando Cabrera, Fordham University, Capital One Bank, Monroe College, Wellcare Health Plan, Affinity Health Plan, Popular Community Bank, United Healthcare, Apple Bank, Con Edison and Fordham Road Collaborative among others.
The BID also acknowledged their community partnership with the 52nd Precinct by conferring the Outstanding Achievement Award to the precinct’s Inspector Nilda Hoffman, commanding officer.
“We always feel the support, but to see everyone here today is like seeing all of the puzzle pieces coming together to form a much clearer picture of all of that support and hard work during these years,” said Alonso.
“Celebrating ten years is a phenomenal accomplishment and it shows that we’ve made great leaps and bounds in helping the community,” said Daniel Bernstein, Fordham Road BID deputy director.
For more information about Fordham Road BID, contact their office at (718) 562-2104 or visit www.fordhamroad.nyc.
