Brooklyn's Progress
February/March 2007

BY META J. MEREDAY, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg shared his vision for a more innovative and technologically advanced New York in the heart of one of its most prominent boroughs – Brooklyn.   Emphasizing the city experienced a population surge and a decline in unemployment, Mayor Bloomberg delivered a State of the City address that highlighted his administration’s accomplishments and outlined his goals.
 
Mayor Bloomberg praised the progress taking place throughout the city underscoring the expansive construction developments underway downtown Brooklyn.

“As we think globally, we'll also act locally, with policies and investments making all our communities more business-friendly,” commented Mayor Bloomberg.  He discussed the highlights of his plan to create more opportunities to reinforce business development, especially for small businesses.

“We'll continue supporting New York’s Business Improvement Districts, which bolster the neighborhood businesses that are the backbone of our economy. And to strengthen them even more – this year, we'll launch 'NYC Clean Streets,' a $1.6 million initiative making commercial corridors in all five boroughs more attractive.”

“Mayor Bloomberg is doing a fantastic job and, working with the Sanitation Commissioner, this program sheds a proactive light on a vital function that often is ignored,” stated Patrick Condren, Executive Director, 86th Street Bay Ridge Business Improvement District. “Brooklyn has more people, thus, more garbage and this initiative provides a number of ways for us to all work together to keep the streets clean, keep the communities viable and businesses thriving.   

Stressing the flexibility needed to rejuvenate local communities and spur business expansion, Mayor Bloomberg outlined incentives designed to put money back into the pockets of consumers and reduce over taxation on small business owners.   The proposed measures include: First, assisting small business by reducing the Unincorporated Business Tax which has been a hindrance for New York to attract and retain small businesses.   Second, reducing the General Corporate Tax and creating credit incentives for small business owners, in addition to creating a proactive climate for small and large businesses within the city to generate more jobs. Third, eliminating the city sales tax for all clothing and footwear will add to the consumer sales totals by increasing tourism and shopping in all boroughs.  Brooklyn leaders are very encouraged by the agenda.

“Mayor Bloomberg’s State of the City address is a testament to his business background.  His targeted tax cuts show this administration is listening to, and is willing to support the small businesses which employ more than 50% of New York workers. Ending the 4% city sales tax on all clothing and footwear will encourage New Yorkers to shop where they live and easing property tax burdens on those who live in our city will encourage further investment in our communities,” commented Mark Kessler, Interim President and Chief Operating Officer, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.
   
Mayor Bloomberg has been active in establishing guidelines to prepare future business leaders and reinforcing structures for existing ones.  With increased investments in innovations and technology, he envisions a city that will be more “empowering” for all.