CM James, PACC Announce $400,000 in City Capital Funds for Fulton Street

Pratt Area Community Council announced on Monday (9/14/09) that City Council Member Letitia James (35th CD, Brooklyn) is providing $400,000 in city capital funds for the Central Fulton Street Business Improvement District.

The funds will be used for physical improvements and amenities such as benches, banners, garbage cans, bike racks and landscaping along the 23 blocks within the Central Fulton Street Business Improvement District (BID). PACC will administer the pass through grant funded through the NYC Department of Transportation. In addition, at the Council Member’s suggestion, PACC has secured funds for mini-grants of up to $500 for 20 merchants to offset the costs associated with belonging to the BID.

The BID will be known as the FAB Alliance, acknowledging its roots in the Fulton Area Business (FAB) Association. Activities and services such as contracted maintenance provided six days per week, graffiti removal, security and improved signage will begin in October.

"We are really hoping that by making these physical improvements, we can boost the impact of the BID activities and bring a recognizable and significant change to Fulton Street," said Deb Howard, Executive Director of PACC. "Fulton Street has a wonderful array of unique businesses and local entrepreneurs and we will be working hard to create a shopping environment that residents and merchants can be proud of," she added.

"My interest is, and has always been, the strengthening of the community I represent, and I thoroughly believe that the BID will bring more storefronts, more employment opportunities, increased security, and a more attractive strip to Fulton Street. I can see only an upside to the beautification of our neighborhood, and I look forward to my office continuing its work with the FAB Alliance this fall,” said Council Member Letitia James.

Look for the launch of the new FAB Alliance website, which will feature an "I am FAB" business every month. The website will also have information for merchants wishing to apply for the $500 grants. Coming soon: a launch party/press event and community block party on October 24th.

About PACC: Now celebrating its 45th anniversary year, PACC is one of NYC’s leading community development corporations with a focus on Central Brooklyn. PACC’s goals are to preserve and develop safe and affordable housing; to support a vibrant local commerce; to sustain and develop an economic, racial, and cultural diversity; and to foster an ethic that all members of the community bear personal responsibility to contribute to the greater good. For more information, visit http://www.prattarea.org or the FAB Alliance website http://faballiance.org/.