Bradhurst Merchants Association, Inc.

Reactivating Organization to create a Business Improvement District:

Building Business to Business and Economical Development

Introductory My name is Patreinnah Acosta-Pelle, and I grew up and currently live in the District I serve. I am the Owner and Operator of PR City, Company, a certified MWBE Public Relations business with NYC Small Business Services (SBS) and NYS Economical State Development Corp. (ESD). PR City, specializes in advertisement, marketing, event planning, as well as grassroots’ organizing, which is how I became involved with the Bradhurst Merchants Association, Inc. – BMA; My involvement with BMA began in 2011 leading up to my neighborhood change project – To create a river to river Business Improvement District (BID) within the Bradhurst District on 145th Street.

BackgroundThe BMA’s focus is the Bradhurst District

(Central Harlem/Upper Manhattan) from 140th Street to 155th Street from Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard to Edgecombe and Bradhurst Avenues up to St. Nicholas Avenue along 145th Street.

Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI) a 30 year old Community Based Organization (CBO) was BMA’s fiscal conduit and founding organization in which I was hired to assist with the BMA’s BID, Business to Business /Economical Development

Purpose:

However, BMA’s familiarity in the Bradhurst District led me to first

1. To reactivate and reorganize the association, developing their brand to market the organization in order to create a BID

2. Build business to business relationships to grow the organization3. Create some financing and sustainability for the organization

Challenges/Issues Encountered Branding/Corridor Recognition. BMA’s existence was unknown to

many businesses and property owners within the District and along 145th Street. When I started, there were only five (5) members, four (4) consisting of the Board

There was no funding, very little membership dues to hire and pay anyone to assist with the BID process

High Population of Middle Eastern and African Business owners creating a language and cultural barrier

Over 200 million dollars in retail leakage leave the community in services

The District suffered high crime, drugs, safety concerns, sanitation needs double-double-digit retail vacancies, (15% to 22%) and unemployment (14%)

Need to increase Foot Traffic / Local Shopping

Bradhurst District Photos – 145th Street

Outcomes: Increased membership from five (5) members to sixty (60) increasing business participation

with approximately 20 to 25 attendees at monthly meeting, including home based businesses. Brought awareness to the organization, developing the brand Developed partnerships with key stakeholders in the neighborhood Created a District Database and email blast list to provide updates about the organization.

Also monthly business networking functions Developed Business to Business interactions where merchants and property owners know

one another and do business together. Created financial and economical opportunities for the organization Branded the neighborhood/area as a unique family orientated residential conclave with much

cultural history – Polo Grounds, Dunbar Housing, Harlem River Housing, Harlem River Drive, Rucker Park are to name a few.

District provides easy access to NYC

Process: Walked the district, speaking and signing up business owners regarding a BID Contacted SBS to find out what/if anyone was already engaged in the process Went to meetings, met with HCCI and BMA Board introducing myself and

capabilities Created promotional materials to hand out to business owners Created/updated an email blast list and website Looked for community partners Wrote grants, looking for funding to do the work, do feasibility studies,

surveying the area etc. SBS merchant organizing, business attraction, capacity building grants

Organized Steering Committee meetings starting the BID process with SBS

Accomplishments: Between 2011 – 2016, I was able to secure grant funding approx. $350,000 was

put back into the district through HCCI and BMA to do feasibility studies on the district and more importantly a BID on 145th Street

Membership fees grew from $250 annually over $3,000 dollars Organization was able to have two (2) fundraising events enabling BMA to have

a budget to accomplish small tasks and retain funding for emergencies etc. Raising a combination of both events a net of $20,000

Created annual calendar identifying key places in the area – Esplanade Gardens, World famous Rucker Park among other places (and now Madison Square Boys and Girls Club (135 year old CBO) will be opening a premiere clubhouse and house their corporate offices in the district). This will assist with some unemployment and retail vacancy issues as well as addressing safety issues

Merchants and Property owners are aware of who the BMA is, what the organization does, where it wants to go and how it wants to get there

Neighborhood Notable and Scenic Attractions

Next Steps/Conclusion Continue to seek funding for economical development Assistance, other bodies and more involvement Organize Steering Committee Meetings Nurture relationships with stakeholders seeking guidance from Coro Alumni (James Ellis,

North Flatbush BID) Coordinate with Chair and Co-Chair to go through BID process Continue to engage businesses within the District especially on 145th Street. Through a BID, the Bradhurst Area would be able to focus on the following issues

including: Creating a pleasant consumer retail atmosphere Improving opportunities for open space and streets Attracting community involved, retail merchants Help local businesses offer local jobs Creating a place for sharing information and best practices