(The following letter is addressed to the Allerton business community re the effort to start a business improvement district.)
Dear Allerton Avenue Community,
In recent weeks I have seen on social media and local newspapers
reports about a proposed business improvement district for the Allerton Avenue section of the
Bronx. As a long time once business owner and still property
owner in the area I would like to voice my opinion.
I have experience in two BIDs, Throggs Neck, Morris Park where I serve as secretary of
the board. It is vital that all merchants, residents and commercial property owners are educated on how
a bid is created and how a strong executive board can run a successful BID such as Westchester Square.
Property owners must agree by a vote if a BID is necessary. Now we all have our opinions and vested interests, but if any neighborhood could benefit from a bid it’s Allerton.
We strongly feel that a BID movement would enhance efforts to address concerns such as security, sanitation and beautification of our local area.
By selecting the right executive board and hiring a BID manager, the voice of the Allerton Avenue would only be stronger.
Our elected officials, government and city agencies will hear our needs and most importantly they’ll be able to provide grants, funds that would be put back into our neighborhood.
Merchants and residents would benefit highly.
Is there a cost?? Yes … it’s an investment and any successful business owner will tell you… you must spend money if you want your business to succeed. Make no mistake we are responsible to reinvest in our neighborhood and a formation of a BID is certainly a step in the right direction.
Peter Spoto Jr. and Anthony Casabianca
Partinico Realty
