40 welcome to bayside s The QUEE NS Courier • WELCOME TO • JANUARY 9, 2014 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com Taking care of ‘BID’ness BY LYLE SCLAIR The Bayside Village Business Improvement District, the “BID,” was created in 2008 to promote and enhance the businesses located on Bell Boulevard from Northern Boulevard to 35th Avenue. Since its inception, the BID has striven to ensure that Bell Boulevard properly reflects the great neighborhoods that surround it. Originally, the BID was charged with the limited tasks of providing supplemental sanitation services to and maintaining the holiday lights over Bell Boulevard. However, it has since broadened its goals to further support the local shops, restaurants and other businesses within its parameters. Last year saw a record number of events on Bell Boulevard. The BID kicked off 2013 with its third annual Arts and Crafts Fair held in April. More events followed throughout the year, including “Thursday Nights Out,” the “Weekend Walk,” “Halloween Playland,” and the annual holiday lighting ceremony. These events brought thousands of Bayside and northeast Queens residents to the district, encouraging them to get reacquainted with Bell Boulevard. It is noteworthy that the “Weekend Walk” was the first time in 20 years that Bell Boulevard was closed to traffic for an entire day for a community-wide event. The BID also expanded its beautification and marketing programs in 2013. The beginning of the year saw a relaunching of the BID’s banner program — this time featuring seasonal banners designed by the talented students of Bayside High School. Over the summer, the BID implemented a graffiti removal program. The BID also revamped its website with enhancements to the business directory, adding a community calendar and making the website mobile friendly. There are three ways that you can help support the BID, as they look to grow and expand our programs in 2014. First, shop and support your local businesses on Bell Boulevard. Second, keep abreast of the events and programming sponsored by the BID by visiting their website at www.baysidevillage. net, signing up for the e-mail list, following them on Twitter and liking them on Facebook. Finally, attend their special events and then stay to explore Bell Boulevard and enjoy our vibrant community. Many Bayside businesses celebrate LONG-TERM SUCCESS These establishments have been around 25 years or more in the neighborhood . . . COMPILED BY KATELYN DISALVO Bayside Milk Farm 35-15 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, NY 11361 718-225-0050 www.baysidefamilymarket.com This Bayside-based, family-owned produce store has been in the neighborhood for 40 years. Famous for their fresh fruits and vegetables, which are delivered six days a week, and their homemade catering, Bayside Milk Farm is a must-stop for many residents in the area. Owner Patrick Perulli said his key to success is personal service. “My partner and I are here every day, so we are always on top of everything,” he said. “I feel that is most important.” Belle Family Jewelers 40-21 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, NY 11361 718-279-3035 www.bellfamilyjewelers.com This family-owned jewelry store, around for 27 years, is most famous for its array of 5,000 wedding bands, as well as a unique selection of necklaces, bracelets and watches. Bayside Family Jewelers is also the neighborhood’s oldest established jewelry store. Owner Harry Rutgers said his key to success is customer service. Bell Bay Florist 43-06 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, NY 11361 718-428-3166 www.bellbayflorist.com For 38 years, this Bayside-based florist has been making arrangements for every occasion, from parties to weddings. Bell Bay Florist has also been a family-operated business for three generations and has been serving the community with the finest quality flowers. Owner Gus Kormusis said the key to success is hard work and good service. Other longtime businesses include: Papazzio Empress Travel Briarwood Organization Bell Formal Wear Bayside Florist Pete’s Pizza Uncle Jack’s Apollo Comfort Shoes S & L Appliance Athena Jewelry Parker Hardware Yvette Lingerie American Vision Dr. Stephen Bernard EYE OF THE TIGER Karate school moves from Bell Blvd. Mixed Martial Arts students in Bayside will soon get their workout fix down the block. The Tiger S c h u l m a n n ’ s school at 38-46 Bell Boulevard closed December 23 and will move less than a mile away to 215-15 Northern Boulevard, although it was unclear when, according to its website. Officials said there were some construction delays. In the meantime, classes are temporarily being held at the Bayside United Methodist Church at 38-20 Bell Boulevard. THE COURIER/Photo by Melissa Chan
QC01092014
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