Thurs. June 21, 2007
DOWNTOWN BID PARTNERS WITH CITY AGENCIES TO ENLIVEN PUBLIC SPACES
(Washington, D.C.) — The Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) recently announced its annual spring initiative, a collaborative effort with the National Park Service (NPS), DC Urban Forestry Administration, the Casey Tree Foundation and Downtown property managers to improve the area’s physical environment through tree plantings, flower baskets, removal of trash and gum from the sidewalks and other beautification tasks.
To keep Downtown clean and inviting, the BID’s safety, hospitality and maintenance corps (known as SAMs) are refreshing the BID’s 140-block area between Union Station and the White House with new flowers, 700 new tree boxes and 175 hanging flower baskets as the BID continues its efforts to maintain a clean and attractive urban landscape. SAM maintenance teams also receive specialized training in tree preservation and participate in tree plantings throughout the neighborhood – ensuring the highest levels of care for the more than 2,500 trees that thrive Downtown.
“Due to the strength of our relationships with area property managers and city agencies, we are able to implement these new improvements each year,” said Rich Bradley, BID executive director. “Our goal is to enhance the pedestrian environment by boosting the area’s vibrancy.”
SAMs provide vital services to maintain Downtown’s welcoming image. SAM maintenance teams are also busy improving the neighborhood streetscape by painting more than 500 street poles, increasing the frequency of gum and trash removal, removing tree grates, cleaning sidewalks and working with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) installing new teardrop pendant lights to existing street poles. As Downtown’s exciting transformation continues, SAMs are in action 360 days a year working to keep Downtown clean, safe and friendly.
The Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) is a private, nonprofit organization that provides safety, hospitality, sanitation, homeless, economic development, transportation, streetscape and marketing services to Washington’s center city. The BID promotes Downtown DC as a premier commercial, cultural and residential destination.
Media interested in scheduling a walking tour of Downtown should contact Kibibi Bonner, Downtown BID communications manager, at 202.626.1144.
#