Brooklyn's Progress
June/July 2006

BY LETICIA THEODORE

After thirty years of stops and starts New York City will finally have uniform street furniture. A 20 year deal worth more than $1 billion dollars will put 3,300 bus shelters, 330 newsstands and 20 public toilets throughout New York City.

The franchise contract awarded to Spain-based Cemusa, Inc. received the blessings of New York City’s Franchise and Concession Review Committee on May 15. Cemusa has since issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) and work is set to begin by the end of 2006. Under the contract Cemusa will build, install and maintain the street furniture and, through the collection of ad revenue, provide the city with at least $999 million and an additional $398 million worth of free advertising over the life of the contract.

“Cemusa is thrilled to be working with the City of New York to bring a coordinated street furniture franchise to the vibrant streetscapes of the city’s five boroughs.  The furniture design combines function with form and will certainly complement all of Brooklyn’s legendary neighborhoods,” said Cemusa North America Chief Executive Officer Toulla Constantinou.

Cemusa, popular in Europe for its street furniture and outdoor advertising, emerged the winning bidder over Viacom which has managed city bus shelters since the 1980’s and JCDecaux a French outdoor-advertising company that partnered with NBC Universal to bid on the contract.  

Many believe the company was looked upon favorably because of their move, early on, to engage local businesses. Even before New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced the company a winner in September 2005, Cemusa began to lay its ground work through outreach. The company contacted the Brooklyn Chamber to identify potential Brooklyn-based providers and has pledged its commitment to using local manufacturers and service providers.

In addition to helping Cemusa identify potential vendors Bomi Kim, who manages the Brooklyn Chamber’s procurement program Brooklyn Connects, testified in support of Cemusa (see testimony on page -- or at http://www.ibrooklyn.com/). 

“This is an exciting contract and really exciting opportunity for Brooklyn businesses,” said Ms. Kim. “This provides the opportunity for many of our businesses in construction, metal fabrication, electrical and plumbing services, glass and material suppliers, and assembly and installation services to work with renowned firm like Cemusa as well as take part in a historic installation of citywide street furniture product.”

“The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce has been an indispensable partner over the past few years as we developed our relationships with New York City manufacturers.  We look forward to continuing our work together,” said Mr.Constantinou.

Cemusa’s contract states at least 50% of manufacturing for the project must be done in New York and 80% must be done in the United States. Cemusa says more than 120 people will be hired by and an additional 100 new jobs will be realized through subcontracts with local manufacturers, suppliers, designers and construction companies.

The RFEI issued will help the company identify construction services, electrical and plumbing services, glass and material supplier, metal fabricators and assembly and installation services. For more information or to see the RFEI contact Bomi Kim at 718 875-1000 ext. 140 or at bkim@brooklynchamber.com.