In 2004-2005, the Fashion Center Business Improvement District (FCBID) began its second decade of service to the Fashion District community - and the contrast in the district from the start of our first decade was striking. Crime is down 70%, and 5,131 tons of trash have been removed from district streets since the FCBID Public Safety and Sanitation programs were launched in 1994. The apparel industry, while still a major tenant category, has consolidated, creating vacancies that have been filled by new tenant groups, most notably visual and performing arts organizations.

FCBID programming this past year reflected these changes. We maintained our commitment to our core services of Sanitation and Public Safety, but we shifted the focus of our promotional efforts to programs designed to market the Fashion District's growing number of Off-Broadway theaters & restaurants, as well as the district's vibrant community of visual artists. Meanwhile, the FCBID Retail Committee began a campaign to attract new ground floor retail establishments that are more compatible with the district's new tenant mix and growing number of 24-hour uses.

Having completed our initial phase of streetscape improvements, we moved on to Phase Two of our plan to revitalize the visual landscape of the district. A comprehensive street signage system was installed on district side streets, plans for a district-wide multirack newsbox program were submitted to NYCDOT, and we offered a cash incentive program to encourage property owners and retailers to improve their establishments.

With the Hudson Yards project's promise of exciting new development on our western border, the Fashion District is poised to become the gateway to the new west side. Looking to seize this opportunity, we began exploring the possibilities for zoning modifications in the district, and we aggressively pursued the issues like adult content video stores, street vending, and zoning that pose a barrier to the district’s future development.

Details of these and all our other activities are included in this report and are regularly communicated to our members through quarterly newsletters, periodic mailings and on our website, www.fashioncenter.com.

Now into our second decade of service, we thank all those in City government, our property owners and tenants for partnering with us in our mission to improve the economic vitality and quality of life in the Fashion District for all who live, work or do business in this "Authentic New York" neighborhood.

George S. Kaufman
Chairman & President
Barbara Blair Randall
Executive Director

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