Dec 17, 2025
Tell us what kinds of revitalization improvements you'd like to see in East Williamsburg!
The East Williamsburg neighborhood has launched a major commercial revitalization effort, leveraging a significant grant awarded jointly to the Grand Street BID and Graham Avenue BID. Community members are encouraged to share their thoughts and needs through a survey:
“We need our neighbors’ insight to support our local brick-and-mortar businesses and mom-and-pop shops,” said Francesca Bruce of the Grand Street BID. “We’re working with electeds and neighborhood organizations, but it’s our neighbors who know this area best; they know what needs to change to keep dollars in the community, shopping local.”
The AvenueNYC Commercial Revitalization grant, awarded by NYC Small Business Services in September, has been running since 2015 to furnish commercial communities with holistic support. Each awardee launches with a year-long study researching trends and needs, including consumer, merchant, and property owner surveys.
”We’re already getting feedback, but we need to make sure we reach every corner of the community,” said the grant’s Program Manager, Ki-Sang Yi.
Surveys are available in English, Spanish, and Mandarin here:
About The East Williamsburg AvenueNYC Collaborative
Individually, both BIDs currently provide: supplemental services including sidewalk cleaning and graffiti removal; district marketing and special events aimed at attracting residents and visitors to the district; placemaking; business attraction and retention; and district beautification with the goal of creating inclusive, cohesive commercial districts that are well-programmed, inviting and Visible. Now working as a collaborative, these BIDs can undertake a more comprehensive and holistic study of the needs of commercial districts throughout East Williamsburg.
About Ki-Sang Yi
Ki-Sang is spearheading East Williamsburg’s Commercial Revitalization Initiative as the AvenueNYC Program Manager. With a Master’s in Urban Planning from Columbia University’s GSAPP, Ki-Sang brings experience in small business development, place-based community engagement, and interdisciplinary data analysis to the role. Her identity as a daughter of immigrants and her deep fondness for intergenerational communities drives Ki-Sang’s belief that city planning is most effective when centered around thriving, inclusive, and sustainable neighborhoods. Her curiosity in the people and places of East Williamsburg, where she now resides, is always extended, so feel free to share your stories with her.
We want to hear from you! Don’t hesitate to reach out:
kisang@grandstreetbk.org | (929) 675-6104
