Categories: Articles,
On June 17, 2025, the 125th Street Business Improvement District (BID) convened its 32nd annual meeting, bringing together over 100 members, including property and business owners, community leaders, residents, and local government representatives. The gathering was held at Native Restaurant and Lounge, a prominent new BID member and Harlem venue and centered around the BID’s mission to promote economic vitality, cultural vibrancy, and neighborhood improvements along the iconic corridor of West 125th Street.
The event opened with a welcome address from BID President and CEO Barbara Askins who highlighted the BID’s key accomplishments over the past year, including enhanced streetscape improvements, expanded marketing initiatives, and elevated sanitation standards. The meeting was called to order, with the adoption of minutes and a message from the Chairman, Mukaram A. Taheraly, property owner and owner of Mushtari Hardware.
A major focus of the meeting was the BID’s expanded sanitation program, dubbed “Harlem Neat Streets,” which has significantly improved cleanliness along 125th St. These efforts complement a pioneering public safety and ambassador program, which bridges communications among local businesses, NYPD, New York City Mayor’s Office of Mental Health, other city agencies and outreach teams. Meeting participants acknowledged measurable improvements in public cleanliness and safer public spaces. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg spoke about his collaboration with the 125th Street BID to improve safety in the area and the efforts of his office to address alternative programs in his approach to address ongoing problems with shoplifting.
Dynishai Gross, Commissioner of the NYC Dept of Small Business Services (SBS) was introduced and spoke about her responsibility for overseeing commercial corridors citywide and her commitment to work with the 125th St BID. The Commissioner said that she has over 77 BIDs in New York City and 125th Street is one of their star BIDs. She described several of the programs that her office offers to help small businesses and announced a new Adam Administration award of $50,000 to the 125th Street BID through its Public Realm Grants program to enhance wayfinding in the BID corridor.
Marketing and promotion received strong emphasis as Leah Abrahem, property owner and Chair of marketing expressed that the BID continues its mission to spotlight small businesses, cultural destinations, and community events via robust social media campaigns and live broadcasts . Upcoming initiatives were teased, including themed events and holiday programming designed to attract tourists and bolster local commerce.
Planning for physical enhancements was also on the agenda. The BID reaffirmed its commitment to coordinated infrastructure improvements, such as upgraded signage, streetscape aesthetics, waste solutions, and plans for possible boundary expansion westward from Morningside Ave to Twelfth Ave. The goal is to elevate the corridor’s visual identity and accessibility.
The meeting underscored the BID’s role in securing meaningful partnerships, both with the City of New York and local developers, orchestrating redevelopment that respects Harlem’s cultural heritage. Members applauded the BID’s advocacy efforts around incentives, density bonuses for cultural projects, and renewed infrastructure funding.
BID leadership provided an optimistic fiscal report, thanks to steady funding from assessments on the 98 properties and 250 businesses within the designated corridor. Several property owners and nonprofits supported plans for a modest budget increase to enhance sanitation, public safety, and marketing.
New members voted on the board of directors were Donald Felix, President of Carver Bank, Tamisha McPherson, Chief External Affairs an Development Officer for Harlem United and Monifa Benison, Owner of European Wax Center.
The evening concluded with closing remarks highlighting upcoming projects: Holiday Lights parades, ongoing “Singing Trees” installations during the winter season, and expanded community outreach efforts. The President called on members to stay actively involved, reinforcing the BID’s unified vision for sustainable growth and cultural enrichment.
The June 17th Annual Meeting reinforced the 125th Street BID’s commitment to its founding goals: enhancing cleanliness, public safety, streetscapes, marketing, and cultural celebration. The collaborative spirit was evident, with stakeholders aligned on a shared vision to elevate Harlem’s premier corridor. With robust plans ahead—from holiday activations to strategic infrastructure projects—the BID is poised for another impactful year.
Over the past 3 decades, 125th Street in Harlem has undergone a vibrant transformation, emerging as a bustling shopping and entertainment hub for uptown residents. Once known primarily for its cultural legacy, the corridor now boasts a mix of major retailers and popular restaurant chains that have revitalized the area. Stores like Target, H&M, Raymour & Flanigan, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Sephora have brought convenience and variety, reducing the need for residents to travel downtown or to outer boroughs for their shopping needs.
Despite this commercial expansion, 125th Street has managed to retain its historic character. Many legacy small businesses, some family-owned and in operation for over ten years, have held their ground, contributing to a dynamic blend of old and new. Local boutiques, barbershops, and soul food eateries sit side by side with national brands, maintaining Harlem’s unique identity.
Beyond retail, the street is experiencing a renaissance in nightlife and entertainment. Jazz clubs, rooftop lounges, and live music venues are drawing crowds well into the night, restoring Harlem’s reputation as a cultural epicenter. With its expanding retail landscape and thriving social scene, 125th Street is once again a vital artery of New York City life, serving both its long-standing community and a new wave of visitors.
For more information about the 125th Street BID go to https://harlembid.com
Photos By:
Nadezda Tavodova
Tezgor
