PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, January 15, 2015
DEPARTMENT OF SMALL BUSINESS SERVICES AND NYC ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ANNOUNCE WINNERS OF THE
“NEIGHBORHOOD CHALLENGE” INITIATIVE
Neighborhood Challenge Will Fund Seven Community Organizations to Strengthen Neighborhoods In
Each Borough Through Bold, Creative and Replicable Initiatives
New York – Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Maria Torres-Springer and New York
City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President Kyle Kimball today announced the seven
winners of the Neighborhood Challenge initiative during a press conference held at the Old Bronx
Borough Courthouse, one of the sites selected to receive funding. Currently in its third year,
Neighborhood Challenge is a competitive grant initiative designed to encourage innovation and service
delivery improvements from Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Community-Based Organizations
(CBOs), and Community-based Development Organizations (CBDOs) that will support small businesses,
generate economic activity, and attract more jobs and investment to local commercial corridors. Grants
ranging up to $100,000 were awarded to organizations that presented the most creative and impactful
economic development and revitalization projects.
“New York City’s diverse and vibrant neighborhoods provide a unique place to work, live, shop,
and play. Through programs like Neighborhood Challenge, we are empowering neighborhood
organizations to find creative and replicable solutions to their neighborhoods’ specific challenges,” said
Maria Torres-Springer, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. “I
congratulate the seven winners of this year’s grant competition, and look forward to the innovative
projects that will lift up small businesses and commercial corridors across the five boroughs.”
“The Neighborhood Challenge competition supports innovative and catalytic projects that solve
small business challenges, generate local economic benefits, and turn neighborhood assets into valuable
community resources,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President Kyle Kimball.
“These awardees are turning big ideas into even bigger realities in the streets of New York City, and we
are proud to work with the Department of Small Business Services on this important initiative to further
develop both quality jobs and dynamic neighborhoods.”
The winning organizations and their proposed projects include:
Bronx
No Longer Empty in partnership with South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation
(SoBro) – Melrose / Morrisania
No Longer Empty in partnership with the South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation
(SoBro) will open the vacant Old Bronx Borough Courthouse up to the community as it awaits a
permanent tenant, and activate the space as a cultural hub to promote local artists.
Neighborhood Plaza Partnership in partnership with South Bronx Overall Economic Development
Corporation (SoBro) – Mott Haven
The Neighborhood Plaza Partnership’s project called "Pop-Up Concession Revenues" at Roberto
Clemente Plaza in Mott Haven will develop a “best practice” for concessions-based revenue generation in
public plazas in partnership with SoBro.
“For No Longer Empty, Neighborhood Challenge is an exciting opportunity to be working with
partners to revive this beautiful historical building and to engage with local residents and citywide visitors
in the South Bronx,” said Naomi Hersson-Ringskog, No Longer Empty Executive Director.
“We are honored to share this award with our partner SoBRO, whose vision for revenue
generation is grounded in nurturing healthy food options in the South Bronx. The lessons we all learn
from hosting pop-up concessions Roberto Clemente Plaza in Mott Haven will be shared with plaza
managers across the city, many of whom struggle to bring in revenue in low-income neighborhoods,” said
Laura Hansen, Managing Director, Neighborhood Plaza Partnership at The New York Horticultural
Society. “SBS’s support for testing innovative solutions like this one is a testament to the City’s
commitment to a more equitable New York.”
“Tremendous opportunities are unfolding in the Bronx, and at SoBRO we are honored and proud
to be the recipient of resources that allow us to be an agent for change,” said Jamila Diaz, Director of
Industrial & Commercial Business Services for SoBRO. “We have dedicated over four decades to the
betterment of the residents and businesses of the borough and welcome the support of the administration.”
Brooklyn
AIGA/NY in partnership with Local Development Corporation of East New York – East New York
AIGA/NY in partnership with the Local Development Corporation of East New York will use design
concepts to improve the community’s sense of place, and also empower local businesses by providing
them with the design tools they need to prepare and benefit from the urban transformation expected in the
neighborhood.
Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation – Red Hook
The Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation will undertake an in-depth real estate
development and marketing plan for an underutilized lot and storm-impacted parcel in a part of Red Hook
that has seen minimal investment. This study will specifically investigate the development of a multistoried light manufacturing center that could include shared work and incubator space.
“With its upcoming East New York Action+Identity project, AIGA/NY aims to further its civic
work, offer a platform for designers to make a difference in their city and enhance the East NY
community's sense of place, using design as a tool for positive change,” Laetitia Wolff, AIGA/NY
Program Director of Civic Initiatives.
“The LDCENY is excited to partner with an esteemed art organization, AIGA/NY, to bring a
strong collective identity to community transformation,” said Gail Davis, Development Coordinator for
the LDC of East New York. “The funding from Neighborhood Challenge will allow this project to afford
local artists an opportunity to work with seasoned art professionals to create projects that will benefit
local businesses and residents with way-finding typography.”
“Congratulations to AIGA/NY on their selection as one of the winners of the Neighborhood
Challenge initiative. I am excited to see the impact of their work on the small business community in East
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New York and look forward to working together to encourage growth and stimulate economic
development in the community,” said Council Member Rafael Espinal. “I am thankful to the Department
of Small Business Services, NYC Economic Development Corporation, and the judges for selecting
AIGA/NY and East New York for this unique partnership.”
“Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation (SBIDC) is thrilled to have received an
award from New York City’s Small Business Services and New York City Economic Development
Corporation’s Neighborhood Challenge,” said David Meade, SBIDC Executive Director. “With these
funds, we will be able to investigate the feasibility of developing a light manufacturing center that will not
only create jobs for local residents but serve as a model for resilient manufacturing spaces for New York
City.”
Manhattan
Lower East Side Business Improvement District – Lower East Side
In Manhattan, the Lower East Side Business Improvement District will launch “100 Gates” to connect
merchants with street artists to create temporary mural installations on the roll down security storefront
security gates. Graffiti is an issue plaguing many commercial corridors in NYC, and this initiative will
reduce illegal graffiti by beautifying the neighborhood and creating a proverbial outdoor gallery
throughout the Lower East Side.
“The 100 Gates Project will combat illegal graffiti through the installation of painted murals on
roll down security gates throughout the Lower East Side,” said Tim Laughlin, Lower East Side BID
Executive Director. “Neighborhood Challenge funds will permit this dynamic public art initiative to
improve quality of life while simultaneously supporting the growth of our community's local economy
and diverse mixture of small merchants.”
“The Neighborhood Challenge is a fantastic initiative that once again shows the City’s
commitment to supporting local BIDs and community-based organizations,” said Council Member
Margaret Chin. “In my district, I look forward to seeing the Lower East Side BID put its winning proposal
to work by beautifying the neighborhood and helping our small businesses become even more welcoming
to residents, workers and tourists alike. I thank SBS Commissioner Torres-Springer and NYCEDC
President Kimball for promoting and executing this initiative.”
Queens
Sutphin Boulevard Business Improvement District – Jamaica
In Jamaica, Queens, the Sutphin Boulevard Business Improvement District will commence a Façade
Improvement project within the framework of the BID's recently developed storefront guidelines that will
alter the appearance of five contiguous properties on Sutphin Blvd. These improvements will increase
patronage and provide a more attractive, consistent, and welcoming environment for consumers.
“Façade improvement is a pivotal piece to a monumental movement in downtown Jamaica,” said
Simone Price, Sutphin Boulevard BID Executive Director. “Well lit, visually appealing storefronts create
better experiences for consumers, residents and workers. Funding from Neighborhood Challenge will
restore five commercial retail establishments on Sutphin Blvd., which will create an environment that our
constituents deserve to experience.”
“I want to thank Small Business Services and the New York City Economic Development
Corporation for recognizing the growing activity in downtown Jamaica,” said Council Member Rory I.
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Lancman (D-Queens). “This grant will attract more economic interest and development in a booming
neighborhood in Queens.”
Staten Island
Historic Tappen Park Community Partnership – Stapleton
In Staten Island, the Illuminate Stapleton project by the Historic Tappen Park Community Partnership will
produce a year-long series of light-based art activities and installations along a one-mile corridor between
Stapleton and Tompkinsville. The project will help define the neighborhood and bring together a wider
network of local businesses, residents, artists, and community organizations to help strengthen the
commercial.
“We are truly humbled and honored to be chosen as one of the winners of this year’s
Neighborhood Challenge; the first ever in Staten Island!” said Kamillah Hanks, Historic Tappen Park
Community Partnership Executive Director. “We’re very grateful to the Department of Small Business
Services and EDC for recognizing our proposal, as it further signifies to us that we are on mark with other
emerging neighborhoods in New York City. ‘Illuminate Stapleton’ will bring together all the elements
that make neighborhoods great – historic charm, urban connectivity and a rich artistic flavor, which we
hope is helping to shape the greatest city in the world.”
“I am thrilled that the Historic Tappen Park Community Partnership has been selected as one of
the winners of the neighborhood challenge initiative by NYCEDC and the NYC Department of Small
Business Services,” said Councilwoman Debi Rose. “Their innovative project, Illuminate Staten Island,
will shed light on the emerging artist community from Stapleton to Tompkinsville while beautifying our
neighborhood surroundings. Congratulations to the Historic Tappen Park Community Partnership, the
North Shore can’t wait to see what’s in store.”
The winning proposals were selected by the Neighborhood Challenge panel of judges, which
consisted of five economic and community development, design, and media professionals from the
public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Winners were selected based on the project’s vision, innovation,
implementation plan, impact, and creativity. Members of the judges’ panel include:
Pat Kiernan, NY1 – Mr. Kiernan is the Morning Anchor for NY1. He joined the Time Warner family as
the anchor and producer of the Fortune Business Report, and was named NY1's morning anchor in 1997.
Prior to joining Time Warner and NY1, he was the Senior Producer of the prime-time newscast "ITV
News at Ten" on CITV, one of Canada's satellite superstations, where his duties included an on-air role as
host of "Your Money," a popular segment he created.
Ludovic Leroy, Pratt Institute– Mr. Leroy is the Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships and
Institutional Support at Pratt Institute. He oversees fundraising from corporations, foundations and
government agencies, and builds relationships with institutions best suited to partner with Pratt based on
shared goals. Pratt Institute is the largest college of art and design in the Northeast.
Margaret Newman, Municipal Arts Society – Ms. Newman is the Executive Director of the Municipal
Art Society (MAS). Prior to joining MAS, Ms. Newman served as Chief of Staff at the NYC Department
of Transportation to Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan and practiced architecture in New York City for
over 15 years as a partner in Marren and Newman Architects. As a certified LEED professional, Ms.
Newman’s work on developing and implementing the city’s green infrastructure initiatives included new
standards for the use of sustainable materials and LED lighting across the five boroughs.
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Benjamin Branham, NYCEDC – Mr. Branham is the Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy
Officer for NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), where he oversees the External
Affairs division and the Center for Economic Transformation. Prior to joining NYCEDC, Mr. Branham
worked at Edelman as a vice president and as the Global Strategy Group Vice President and for the New
York City Department of Small Business Services.
Maria Torres-Springer, SBS – Ms. Torres-Springer is the Commissioner of the NYC Department of
Small Business Service (SBS) where she is focused on good jobs, stronger businesses, and a fairer
economy for all New Yorkers. Prior to SBS, Ms. Torres-Springer served as the Executive Vice President
and Chief of Staff at the New York City Economic Development Corporation, and also worked as the
Senior Policy Advisor at the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development & Rebuilding and
as the Chief Operating Officer of Friends of the Highline.
Since launching in 2012, Neighborhood Challenge has awarded 20 organizations nearly $1.1
million in grants for innovative projects including storefront improvements, district marketing campaigns,
and public art installations in neighborhoods across all five boroughs.
To learn more about free City services and funding opportunities available to support local
organizations, please visit nyc.gov/neighborhoods.
About the Department of Small Business Services
The Department of Small Business Services (SBS) makes it easier for businesses in New York City to
start, operate and expand by providing direct assistance to business owners, fostering neighborhood
development in commercial districts, and linking employers to a skilled and qualified workforce. For
more information on all of SBS’ services, go to www.nyc.gov/sbs.
About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is the City's primary vehicle for promoting
economic growth in each of the five boroughs. NYCEDC's mission is to stimulate growth through
expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the
City's competitive position. NYCEDC serves as an advocate to the business community by building
relationships with companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City's many opportunities.
Find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, or visit our blog to learn more about NYCEDC projects and
initiatives.
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Contact: Merideth Weber (Small Business Services) 212-513-6318, [email protected]
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