Bayside BID to Host Bell Boulevard Walking Tour to Attract Businesses

The Bayside Village Business Improvement District will host a walking tour for business owners considering a move to Bell Boulevard on June 25.

The BID’s walking tour was scheduled to show vacant properties to members of Long Island Commercial Network, a real estate association, but the event is also aimed at drawing new business to the commercial strip, said Lyle Sclair, the BID’s executive director.

“This is designed primarily for real estate brokers that represent landlords and tenants,” Sclair said. “We will show them what is available on Bell Boulevard. It’s one thing to see a space, but a realtor can help negotiate a good lease. We want to help people understand the marketplace they are looking into.”

Sclair said the BID would show a variety of spaces that are currently available with the aim of attracting new businesses to Bayside.

“Fortunately, we have a low vacancy rate as compared to other parts of the city,” he said. “We want a good mix of businesses on Bell Boulevard, ones that compliment each other and attract customers. Our nighttime establishments do wonderfully, but we want more afternoon businesses. We are looking for those unique businesses you can’t find anywhere else.”

The tour will begin around 10 a.m. following a meeting at the Bayside Diner.

On June 24, the BID will host its annual meeting at 6 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, located at 36-01 Bell Blvd.

The meeting is open to the public, but voting is restricted to business owners located along Bell Boulevard between Northern Boulevard and 35th Avenue and portions of 41st Avenue.

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, D-Flushing, is expected to attend the meeting.

The BID has also released the full roster of businesses taking part in its summer Thursday Nights Out program, during which local stores and restaurants stay open later and offer specials.

Businesses involved in the program include American Vision, Athena Jewelry, Bareburger, Bayside Florist, Bayside Milk Farm, Bell Bay Florist, Bourbon Street, Brian Dempsey’s, Donovan’s, Empress Travel, Erawan, Il Vesuvio, Gregg’s Queen Beauty Supply, Karma Boutique, Local Bar and Grill, Lucille Roberts, Martha’s Country Bakery, Michael’s Place Salon, Papazzio, Pete’s Pizza, Press 195, Ralph’s Italian Ices, Shoes I Love, Sterling Pharmacy, The Tuxedo Shop of New York, Top Drawer, Top Shelf Tattoo, Turn the Page Again Books, Uncle Jack’s Steakhouse, Uno Chicago Grill, V.I. Pizza, Waggers Dog Daycare and Yvette’s Fashion.