SUNNYSIDE QUEENS Commercial District Needs Assessment - NYC.gov
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SUNNYSIDE
QUEENS
Commercial District Needs Assessment
COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
NEEDS ASSESSMENT
in
partnership Sunnyside Shines BID
with
ABOUT SUNNYSIDE
Avenue NYC is a competitive Background
grant program created by the NYC
Department of Small Business
Services to fund and build the Located in Western Queens, Sunnyside is a diverse and family-friendly neighborhood surrounded
capacity of community-based by Woodside, Astoria, Long Island City, and Maspeth. Sunnyside has robust transportation
development organizations to access and is located just a few minutes from the Ed Koch Queensborough Bridge and the
execute commercial revitalization
initiatives. Avenue NYC is funded Queens Midtown Tunnel. The aqueduct-like design of the elevated 7 train structure and
through the U.S. Department of Sunnyside Arch both serve as icons of the neighborhood. The area is conveniently and
Housing and Urban Development’s centrally located, connecting Roosevelt and Greenpoint avenues with train, bus, and bike
Community Development Block networks running throughout.
Grant (CDBG) Program, which
targets investments in low- and
moderate-income neighborhoods. Once marshland, the Sunnyside area was developed in the 1800s into rural farms by French
Avenue NYC Commercial
settlers. In the early 1900s, following the incorporation of Queens into New York City, the
Revitalization grants provide construction of the Queensborough Bridge, Sunnyside Yards, and expansion of the city’s rail
multi-year commitments aimed infrastructure presented opportunities for neighborhood growth. Gradually, the neighborhood
at building the capacity of partner evolved into a bedroom community and became home to a large immigrant population consisting
organizations to better understand
neighborhood needs, develop mostly of people of Irish, German, Dutch, and Eastern European descent.
impactful programs, and sustain
their work in the community for at The neighborhood is well-known for the Sunnyside Gardens Historic District, built as one of the
least three years. first planned communities between 1924 and 1928. Planning efforts at the time elevated the
The Commercial District Needs importance of affordable housing for low- to moderate-income families with an ethos for the
Assessment (CDNA) highlights a social and physical health of residents. While retaining some of its historic identity as an Irish-
neighborhood’s existing business
landscape and consumer American neighborhood, the district upholds diversity and inclusion as a vital community
characteristics. asset. Over time, Sunnyside’s diversity has increased. In recent years the neighborhood has
This CDNA features 43rd Avenue, welcomed immigrants from all over the world including China, Eastern Europe, Ecuador, India,
47th Avenue, 48th Avenue, Ireland, Mexico, and more.
Greenpoint Avenue, Skillman
Avenue, and Queens Boulevard The neighborhood’s small-town feel and accessibility to major destinations serve as a draw
commercial corridors in Sunnyside,
and was conducted in partnership for many residents. The community is known for being tight-knit and a hub for social and cultural
with Sunnyside Shines BID between institutions, such as the Turkish Cultural Center, Ecuadorian American Cultural Center, and
August 2019 and March 2020. the Thalia Hispanic Theatre. Sunnyside also provides a one-stop shopping environment with a
Key issues and opportunities variety of businesses including culturally distinct restaurants, personal care, and professional
identified through this assessment services. Through the years, Sunnyside’s commercial corridors spanning from 48th to Skillman
will help prioritize SBS-supported avenues have consistently recovered from economic downturns, kept afloat by a neighborhood
local investments, and serve as
an informational and marketing that is described by residents and businesses as community-minded and supportive.
resource for the neighborhood.
Neighborhood Demographics See more on page 16-17
In This Report
Sunnyside is demographically diverse with approximately 49,000 residents. The neighborhood is
Existing conditions, business considerably young with nearly 43% of the neighborhood’s population between the ages of 25 and
data, and qualitative depictions
of the neighborhood were 44. Sunnyside is approximately 38% Hispanic or Latino, 34% White, 24.5% Asian, and 2% Black
gathered from more than or African American. Roughly 52% of the population is foreign-born with the top three immigrant
676 surveys and various groups being Latino (46%), Asian (39%), and European (12%). The needs of this diverse community
stakeholder meetings with are reflected in the businesses in the neighborhood with an abundance of multicultural eateries and
neighborhood merchants, goods available.
shoppers, workers, property
owners, and residents.
Jump to... Future Opportunities See more on page 5
Key Findings 4-5
Business Inventory 6 Sunnyside’s business foot traffic is primarily generated from local and nearby residents, including
What Merchants Say 7-10
Woodside and Long Island City. While residents have strong pride in existing businesses on
Business Outlook 11-12
What Shoppers Say 8, 12
the corridor, they have expressed a need for more variation in the current retail mix. Following
Physical Environment 13-15 months of public engagement and analysis, the City of New York and Amtrak released the
Data Appendix 16-18 Sunnyside Yards Master Plan, which addresses six pressing needs including public space
and social infrastructure, transportation, affordable housing, jobs, schools and workforce
development, sustainability and resilience, and “keeping it Queens.” Together, with future
investments and its high accessibility, Sunnyside has the potential to see sustainable and
equitable growth, making it a vibrant location for people to live, work, and visit.
2 Avenue NYC Commercial District Needs Assessment
NEIGHBORHOOD CONTEXT
Sunnyside
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63 ST
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56 ST
! AV VD Cultural Center 43 AV
N YMCA Sunnyside " Cultural Center Queens VA
54 ST
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! C Community Services Community Center
! JA " " !"" 44 AV
58 ST
LaGuardia ! 7 !" 1 2 Sunnyside Arch
" QUEENS BLVD
46 ST
Community College Lowery Plaza Bliss Plaza
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64 ST
42 ST
Long Island City Workforce1 " Aviation 47 AV
33 ST
L/CPL Thomas P. Noonan
Industrial & Transportation High School
40 ST
Junior Playground
47 AV
Career Center "
60 ST
35 ST
Queens
48 ST
Queens VD
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59 ST
VAN DAM ST
Public Library BL
Technical High School Mt Zion Cemetery ILL
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30 ST
Thalia H
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Hispanic Theatre UR
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49 ST
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0 0.15 0.3 0.6 Miles
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37
6
Points of Interest Notable Places
Assessed Commercial Corridors Long Island City BID
1 2
Arts & Cultural Destinations Sunnyside Shines BID
Public Facilities Workforce1 Career Center
Public Community Spaces
Bliss Plaza Sunnyside Arch
Neighborhood Events
Annual Holiday Lighting (Sunnyside Shines)
Beats in Bliss Plaza (Sunnyside Shines)
Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival (Sunnyside Shines)
Boulevard Film Festival
L/CPL Thomas P. Noonan Jr. Playground Sunnyside Gardens
Clearview Festival
Ramadan Eid Festival (Turkish Cultural Center) Merchant & Business Groups
St. Pat’s For All
BLVD Bars
Sundays in June Free Outdoors Festival (Thalia Hispanic Theatre)
Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce
Sunnyside Artist Crafts Fair
Sunnyside Shines BID
Sunnyside Flag Day Parade
The Skillman Project
Sunnyside Shorts International Film Festival
Taste of Sunnyside (Sunnyside Shines)
Sunnyside 3
KEY FINDINGS & OPPORTUNITIES
Strengths
Diverse, multicultural, friendly, and socially Home to a number of community institutions and long-
connected neighborhood standing neighborhood anchors
Easily accessible to major job centers in Manhattan and Strong network of active civic organizations that
multiple modes of transportation, including the 7 train, contribute to collaborative efforts within the
several bus lines, and the city’s bike network throughout Sunnyside community
the area
An established community that serves as a gateway
Livable and walkable neighborhood, with historic to Western Queens, including Woodside, Maspeth,
architecture and attractive residential offerings and Astoria
such as its family-friendly feel and accessibility
Challenges
Rapidly increasing commercial rents for local businesses Merchants find it difficult to keep up with evolving
affect their ability to offer affordable goods and services marketing and business trends
Online competition for dry retail and storefront competition, Low foot traffic and lack of street activity on 47th and
especially for restaurants, continues to negatively 48th avenues due to their distance from subway stations
impact commercial corridors and contributes to the
Lack of parking in the neighborhood for both businesses
increasing vacancy rate
and residents
Merchants, partly due to language barriers, struggle
to navigate and comply with NYC storefront and
labor regulations
Bliss Plaza Performance Mural on 43rd Avenue
Sunnyside Arch Elevated Train Structure
4 Avenue NYC Commercial District Needs Assessment
Sunnyside Yards Greenpoint Avenue Mural
Storefront on 48th Avenue Seasonal Plantings at Bliss Plaza
Opportunities
Establish a formal business support program to increase Leverage the strong network of community-based
business retention organizations and residents to advocate for capital
Facilitate and encourage connections between new and improvements in the area, with special consideration
long-standing businesses to strengthen the existing for additional street lighting and litter baskets along
local business network 43rd Avenue, 48th Avenue, and in public spaces
Launch a small business campaign to build upon existing Promote Sunnyside’s unique character as a family-
marketing programs to attract more consumers to the friendly neighborhood that is diverse, community-
commercial district oriented, inclusive, and accessible
Fulfill local demand by attracting new commercial Improve streetscape conditions and amenities on the
tenants that meet the needs of the surrounding primary commercial corridors by adding benches,
community to fill vacant storefronts wayfinding, and greenery
Foster stronger relationships between property owners, Invest in additional maintenance for Bliss Plaza and Lowery
commercial tenants, and the community Plaza to enhance the public space for the neighborhood
Collaborate with community groups to increase outreach
on all existing programs in the neighborhood
What’s Next?
Prioritize COVID-19 commercial revitalization response
activities by deploying actionable strategies that will To address these key findings and opportunities, Avenue NYC Grants
have been awarded by SBS to nonprofit organizations.
enhance the economic recovery and long-term resiliency
For more information, visit: nyc.gov/avenuenyc
of the commercial district
Sunnyside 5
BUSINESS LANDSCAPE: SUNNYSIDE
Business Inventory
621
Total Number of Storefronts
10.8%
Storefront Vacancy*
*Note: In 2019, New York City’s 76 Business Improvement Districts reported an average ground floor
vacancy rate of 9.1% and median ground floor vacancy rate of 8.4% (SBS BIDs Trends Report, 2019).
Storefront & Retail Mix*
Hair, Nail, & Beauty Salons 72
Vacant 67
Full Service Restaurants 58
Professional Services 50
Limited Service Restaurants 39
69
Dry Cleaning & Laundry Services 35
Supermarkets & Specialty Foods 35
Medical Services 30
Delis/Bodegas 25
Pharmacies & Health Stores 22
Bars/Clubs & Liquor Stores 21
Cafes, Coffee Shops, & Bakeries 21
Community Organizations, Government Agences, & Houses of Worship 21
Electronics & Cell Phones Stores 15
Clothing & Jewelry Stores 14
Automotive Services 13
General Merchandise Stores 12
Office Supplies, Stationary, & Gift Stores 10
Schools 10
Commercial Banks 9
Construction & Manufacturing 6 Business inventory and retail mix
data were gathered by Sunnyside
Gyms & Recreation 6 Shines BID through a comprehensive
Hardware & Home Goods Stores 6 area inventory of storefront
businesses located along Skillman
Pet Stores 6 Avenue, 43rd Avenue, Queens
Cash Advance & Money Transfer Services 4 Boulevard, 47th Avenue, 48th Avenue,
and Greenpoint Avenue (August to
Other 14 December 2019).
*The data and findings presented in this report were gathered before the COVID-19 pandemic. The economic impact
of the COVID-19 outbreak has negatively affected 90% of small business owners nationally. Across New York City, purchases of local goods and services
at brick-and-mortar stores declined by 24.9% in March 2020 compared to March 2019. With the exception of grocery stores and pharmacies, spending
in all other retail categories declined significantly during the pandemic. During this time, in Sunnyside, approximately 290 essential business remained
open for service out of a total of 554 storefront businesses. As of June 2020, federal, state, and city resources have been and continue to be developed to
support businesses during this extremely challenging time, but many businesses continue to struggle or remain closed. SBS and community partners, including
Sunnyside Shines BID, are working to develop new programs to support businesses and help Sunnyside’s commercial corridors recover from this crisis.
6 Avenue NYC Commercial District Needs Assessment
What We’ve Heard from Sunnyside Merchants
How many years have you been How many full-time employees do you have?
in business here?
35 60
30 33% 59%
50
25
40
20 22%
Businesses
Businesses
20% 30
15 18%
20
27%
10
5 7% 10
8% 3% 3%
0 0
0-2 3-5 6-10 11-20 21+ 0-2 3-5 6-10 11-15 16+
Years in Business Number of Employees
108
Median
3.5 1 3.4 Mean
2
Median
2
Mode
Mean Median Mode
*Note: The mean is the average of all responses, the median is the middle number when all responses are
arranged in ascending order, and the mode is the most common response.
Do you own or rent your property? Over the past year, has your business
improved, stayed the same, or decreased?
87% 5% 8% 33% 35% 28% 4%
Rent Own No Response Improved Stayed the Decreased N/A or
Same No Response
What kinds of resources would help you grow What changes need to occur on or around your
your business? corridor to attract more visitors/shoppers?
% Merchant Responses % Merchant Responses
Marketing support 74% Parking 64%
Legal/lease support 29% Storefront improvements 34%
Space/storefront improvements 24% Community events 27%
Access to financing 21% Landscaping/beautification 24%
New equipment 15% Safety 15%
Other services 13% Sanitation 11%
Assistance with regulatory compliance 11% Business-to-business communication 10%
Training for staff 11%
Source: Based on 155 merchant surveys conducted by Sunnyside Shines BID in Fall 2019.
Sunnyside 7
BUSINESS LANDSCAPE
What We’ve Heard from Sunnyside Merchants
What changes would you suggest to improve the Sunnyside commercial district
for residents, pedestrians, and shoppers?
“Lower commercial rents.”
“More advertising for businesses
on the street and on social media.” “Entertainment.”
“Improving the plaza, I see it every day and it serves as a great part of the community.”
What do you like about the commercial district?
“Sunnyside is a close knit community in which
“Great restaurants, bars, people, and atmosphere.”
all businesses are helpful to one another.”
“Safe and clean.” “Close to public transportation.” “It’s multi-cultural.”
What makes this commercial district unique?
“Elevated subway.”
“It is close to Manhattan and Flushing, both 20
minutes away on the 7 Train; it’s easy to travel.” “Diversity of people.”
“People here are friendly, they make
doing business here worth it!”
“Community feel.”
What We’ve Heard from Sunnyside Shoppers
What changes would you suggest to improve the Sunnyside commercial district
for residents, pedestrians, and shoppers?
“Bike parking and safe bike lanes.” “Stores should be open later.”
“More green space.”
“Entertainment venues like movie theatres, escape rooms, etc.” “More variety of stores.”
8 Avenue NYC Commercial District Needs Assessment
What We’ve Heard from 43rd Avenue Merchants
Business Inventory Most Common Businesses
Dry Cleaning & Laundry Services 10
68 9% Hair, Nail, & Beauty Salons
Full Service Restaurants 6
7
Total Storefronts Storefront Vacancy
Professional Services 6
Supermarkets & Specialty Foods 6
43rd Avenue Corridor
Source: Based on 11 merchant surveys conducted by Sunnyside Shines BID in Fall 2019.
What We’ve Heard from 47th Avenue Merchants
Business Inventory Most Common Businesses
45
Hair, Nail, & Beauty Salons 8
4% Supermarkets & Specialty Foods
Full Service Restaurants
7
Total Storefronts Storefront Vacancy 4
Electronics & Cell Phones Stores 3
Professional Services 3
47th Avenue Corridor
Source: Based on 7 merchant surveys conducted by Sunnyside Shines BID in Fall 2019.
What We’ve Heard from 48th Avenue Merchants
Business Inventory Most Common Businesses
79 11% Hair, Nail, & Beauty Salons
Dry Cleaning & Laundry Services 10
14
Total Storefronts Storefront Vacancy
Full Service Restaurants 7
Professional Services 7
Delis/Bodegas 6
48th Avenue Corridor
Source: Based on 16 merchant surveys conducted by Sunnyside Shines BID in Fall 2019.
Sunnyside 9
BUSINESS LANDSCAPE
What We’ve Heard from Greenpoint Avenue Merchants
Business Inventory Most Common Businesses
Limited Service Restaurants 12
130 9% Professional Services
Hair, Nail, & Beauty Salons 11
12
Total Storefronts Storefront Vacancy
Full Service Restaurants 10
Medical Services 10
Greenpoint Avenue Corridor
Source: Based on 51 merchant surveys conducted by Sunnyside Shines BID in Fall 2019.
What We’ve Heard from Skillman Avenue Merchants
Business Inventory Most Common Businesses
72 8%
Hair, Nail, & Beauty Salons 8
Professional Services 8
Total Storefronts Storefront Vacancy Dry Cleaning & Laundry Services 6
Full Service Restaurants 5
Bars/Clubs & Liquor Stores 4
Clothing & Jewelry Stores 4
Community Organization, Government
Agencies, & Houses of Worship 4
Delis/Bodegas 4
Skillman Avenue Corridor
Limited Service Restaurants 4
Source: Based on 12 merchant surveys conducted by Sunnyside Shines BID in Fall 2019.
What We’ve Heard from Queens Boulevard Merchants
Business Inventory Most Common Businesses
235 14% Full Service Restaurants
Hair, Nail, & Beauty Salons 23
25
Total Storefronts Storefront Vacancy
Professional Services 14
Limited Service Restaurants 13
Cafes, Coffee Shops, & Bakeries 11
Medical Services 11
Supermarkets & Specialty Foods 11
Queens Boulevard Corridor
Source: Based on 58 merchant surveys conducted by Sunnyside Shines BID in Fall 2019.
10 Avenue NYC Commercial District Needs AssessmentBUSINESS OUTLOOK
Sunnyside Retail Opportunity
Residents spend Local businesses make Each year,
$1.46B
each year in
$1.8B
each year in
$340M
is spent by visitors
goods and services retail sales in the neighborhood
Retail Leakage & Surplus
Surplus $0 Leakage
Gasoline Stations $89.9M
Department Stores $57.4M
(Excluding Leased Departments)
Grocery Stores $52.9M
Other General Merchandise Stores $40M
Health & Personal Care Stores $19.5M
Shoe Stores $10.1M
Lawn/Garden Equipment & Supply Stores $4.9M
Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) $2.7M
Beer, Wine, & Liquor Stores $1.8M
Retail leakage and surplus
Florists $610,107 is the difference between
Used Merchandise Stores -$1.9M estimated spending by
local residents on retail
Restaurants & Other Eating Places -$2.4M goods and estimated sales
by local retail businesses.
Special Food Services -$4.2M Retail leakage occurs
when consumer demand
Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers -$4.9M
exceeds retail supply in
Specialty Food Stores -$7.9M a designated trade area.
On the chart, a positive
Auto Parts, Accessories, & Tire Stores -$12.5M value indicates leakage of
Sporting Goods, Hobby, retail sales and represents
-$14.5M net consumer spending
& Music Instrument Stores
that is being captured
Furniture Stores -$15.4M
by retailers outside of
Book, Periodical, & Music Stores -$16.3M the trade area. Retail
surplus occurs when
Clothing Stores -$22.4M retail supply exceeds
consumer demand in a
Office Supplies, Stationary, & Gift Stores -$27.9M designated trade area. On
-$29.8M the chart, a negative value
Jewelry, Luggage, & Leather Goods Stores indicates a surplus of retail
Home Furnishings Stores -$41M sales and may signify a
market where retailers are
Electronics & Appliance Stores -$48.3M drawing customers from
outside the trade area.
Building Material & Supplies Dealers -$135.4M
Source: ESRI and Infogroup, 2020.
Sunnyside 11BUSINESS OUTLOOK
Business Trends
Change in Total Business Sales, 2013-2020 Change in Median Sales by Business, 2013-2020
Sunnyside Queens NYC Sunnyside Queens NYC
36% 46% 46% 93% 79% 65%
Sunnyside Total Business Sales* Sunnyside Sales by Business*
$120M $100K
$115,536,536
$111,634,216
$91,843
$110,418,933
$110,155,753
$100M
$108,351,732
$88,393
$80K
$100,743,389
$79,547
$79,392
Sales Volume
Sales Volume
$92,774,278
$80M
$70,859
$84,667,422
$60K
$60,993
$58,142
$60M
$40K
$47,620
$40M
$20K
$20M
0 $0K
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Year Year
*Year 2020 reflects data gathered up until March 2020. Source: Division of Tax Policy, NYC Department of Finance
What We’ve Heard from Shoppers
What additional types of businesses would When do you usually shop in Sunnyside?
you like to see in Sunnyside?
Clothing & Accessories Weekdays 16%
Bagel & Coffee Shops Weekday evenings 6%
Bookstores Weekend days 9%
Weekend evenings 2%
Restaurants
No set time 66%
Movie Theater
How do you usually get to Sunnyside? How often do you shop in Sunnyside?
Walk 61% Daily 85%
Subway 26% 2 to 4 times a week 5%
Car 7% Once a week 5%
Bus 5% Twice a month 2%
Bike 1% Once a month 1%
Taxi/Car Service 1% 3 to 6 times a year 1%
Rarely/Never 1%
Source: Based on 470 consumer surveys conducted by Sunnyside Shines BID in Fall 2019.
12 Avenue NYC Commercial District Needs AssessmentPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Storefront Vacancies
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Vacant Lots Vacant Storefronts Parks & Open Spaces
An analysis of 621 storefronts along 43rd, 47th, 48th, Greenpoint, and Skillman avenues, and Queens Boulevard revealed that 18% of storefronts
are in poor condition, 39% are in average condition, and 43% are in good condition.
Streetscape Observations
47th and 48th avenues both have significantly lower foot traffic than There is a need for additional streetscape amenities and furniture
the other corridors in the study area. They are further away from the along 43rd Avenue, including litter baskets, lighting, and benches.
two main train stations compared to the other main corridors and
have fewer storefronts. Some blocks have vacant storefronts that have sat empty for
several years, including Greenpoint Avenue from 41st to 42nd
There are not enough bike racks to accommodate residents and streets and near the intersection of 43rd Street and 48th Avenue.
visitors along 48th Avenue. Many of the racks are typically packed
with bikes and end up being stacked up on sidewalks or locked on Queens Boulevard is congested with vehicular traffic. The majority
sidewalk poles. of concerns are centered around speeding when the traffic is
less heavy.
Litter is often found in the tree pits throughout the study area,
particularly along 43rd Avenue.
Vacant Storefronts on Greenpoint Avenue Overflowing Bike Rack Litter in Tree Pits
Sunnyside 13PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Public Space Study: Bliss Plaza
In 2014, the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) completed the conversion of two underused spaces beneath the elevated 7 train
into public plazas through their Neighborhood Plaza Program. The new plazas, located at both the 40th and 46th Street train stations
on Queens Boulevard, offer residents and visitors a place to relax and socialize in a centralized location in the district. Managed by
Sunnyside Shines BID, the designated DOT Plaza Partner, Bliss Plaza features a leveled seating space with movable tables and chairs
and is decorated with seasonal planters. The plaza provides space for seasonal events, such as musical and cultural performances,
fitness programs, pop-up markets featuring local entrepreneurs, and other community events that activate and enhance the quality of
the commercial district.
Bliss Plaza
What is your relationship to this space? How often do you visit this plaza?
% Plaza User Responses % Plaza User Responses
Live in neighborhood 70% Daily 61%
Visiting 20% Weekly 20%
Work in neighborhood 8% Monthly 2%
Other 2% Rarely 17%
How do you typically use this plaza? When do you typically visit this plaza?
Commuting/passing through 32 Day 30
Eating 20 Evening 11
Socializing/meeting friends 17
Weekday 19
Public programs/events 15
Other 9 Weekend 11
Source: Based on 51 public space surveys conducted by Sunnyside Shines BID in Fall 2019.
14 Avenue NYC Commercial District Needs AssessmentPublic Space Study: Bliss Plaza
Community Events at Bliss Plaza Bliss Plaza Pop-Up Holiday Market
What are the top three things you like best On the scale from 1 (low) to 5 (high), please
about the plaza? rate your level of satisfaction with:
% Plaza User Responses Average Plaza User Responses
Convenient location 57% Accessibility 5
Diversity of people 18% Attractiveness 4
Tables and chairs 18% Cleanliness 4
Lighting 4
Overall safety 4
What are the top three changes/improvements
Physical conditions/amenities 4
you would like to see in this plaza?
% Plaza User Responses Programs/events 4
Cleanliness 22%
Lighting 10%
More community events 8%
Source: Based on 51 public space surveys conducted by Sunnyside Shines BID in Fall 2019
Sunnyside 15DATA APPENDIX
Study Area Boundaries
Assessed Commercial Corridors Sunnyside Context Area Trade Area
Primary data on Sunnyside storefront businesses Demographic and employment data on pages 16-17 Retail leakage, surplus, and retail opportunity data
presented on pages 6 and 9-10 was gathered represent the population within the Sunnyside on page 11 correspond with the 0.75 mile trade area.
along the following commercial corridors: 43rd, neighborhood context area.
47th, 48th, Greenpoint, and Skillman avenues,
and Queens Boulevard.
34
74 S
70 S
AV
82 S
9 ST
72 S
V
T
32 A
80 S
ST
ST
11 S
T
T
T
BR
T
13 S
LVD
T
OA
32
44
DW RN B V
T
35 AY THE 34 A
ST
AV NOR
ST
Woodside
36
ST
24 AV
22
69 S
ST
28
ST
38
T
60 S
43
64 S
37
40 AV
T
AV
T
T
T
S
S
55 ST
58 ST
36
73 S
21
T
V
39 37 A
ST
S
48 ST
AV D
35 R
33
10
T
T
ST
S
12
31
AV
61 ST
37
52 ST
54 ST
ST
Sunnyside
63 ST
AV
T
40 ELT
27
9S
RD 39 AV SEV
57 ST
ROO
65 ST
47 ST
ST
V
43 41 A
50 ST
RD
76 S
13
ST
78 S
71 S
WOO
68 S
T
DSIDE
NT
SKILLMAN AV AV
T
T
CE
44 AV
T
ES
CR
56 ST
V
43 A
52 ST
43 AV
36 ST
68 ST
45 AV
Long 45 A
V 46 A
V
46 AVE QUEENS BLVD
Island City 42 ST
DA
29 ST
40 ST
73 S
D
VI
VERNON BLV
47 AV
S
T
47 AV
67 ST
ST
59 ST
47 RD 47 AV 48 AV
49 ST
34 ST
30 ST
49 AV
ST
50 AV
48 AV 51 RD
71 ST
27
49 AV
66 ST
38 ST
31 ST
44 ST
AV
PULASKI BR
64 ST
51 AV HU
NT
ER INT
51 AV SP N PO 50 AV
TA 52 AV
V EE
GR
41 ST
52 AV
2 ST
BQE
52 AV
ST 51 AV
29 53 AV
AV
Maspeth
ICE
VD
UR
L BL
MA
53 AV
HIL
°
REL
LAU
54
0 0.325 0.65 AV 1.3 Miles
Area Demographics
Total Population Average Household Size Commuting Patterns
49,034 Sunnyside 2.43 Sunnyside
2,298,513 Queens 2.91 Queens
8,443,713 New York City 2.62 New York City 27,102 801 24,813
Work Live
Population Density (per square mile) Car Ownership
11,930 Sunnyside 43.4% Sunnyside
21,045 Queens 63.2% Queens 27,102
Work in Sunnyside,
live elsewhere
27,926 New York City 45.4% New York City
801 Live & Work in Sunnyside
24,813
Live in Sunnyside and
work elsewhere
16 Avenue NYC Commercial District Needs AssessmentArea Demographics
Race/Background Sunnyside QN NYC Educational Attainment Sunnyside QN NYC
Hispanic or Latino 38% 28% 29% 12th Grade or Less, 18% 19% 18%
(of any race) No Diploma
White alone 34% 25% 32% High School Graduate 26% 28% 24%
Black or African 2% 17% 22% Some College, No Degree 9% 15% 14%
American alone
Associate’s Degree 8% 8% 6%
Asian alone 25% 25% 14%
Bachelor’s Degree 25% 20% 22%
Two or more races 2% 2% 2%
Graduate or 13% 12% 16%
Some other race alone 0% 2% 1% Professional Degree
American Indian and 0% 0% 0%
Alaska Native alone
Native Hawaiian and 0% 0% 0%
Other Pacific Islander
Population Age Sunnyside QN NYC Median Age Foreign-Born Population
Under 5 Years 5% 6% 7% 38.2 Sunnyside 52% Sunnyside
5–14 Years 8% 11% 11% 38.7 Queens 47% Queens
15–24 Years 8% 11% 12% 36.5 New York City 37% New York City
25–44 Years 43% 30% 31%
45–64 Years 24% 27% 25%
65+ Years 12% 15% 14%
Income Employment
Median Household Income Pop. Below Poverty Line Population in Labor Force Unemployment*
$61,095 Sunnyside 9% Sunnyside 71% Sunnyside 4.3% Sunnyside
$64,987 Queens 11% Queens 64% Queens 6.2% Queens
$60,762 New York City 19% New York City 64% New York City 6.9% New York City
*N ote: As of February 2020, the unemployment rate is 3.0% for Queens and 3.4% for New
York City (NYSDOL); updated neighborhood level data for Sunnyside is not available.
Local Jobs and Employment
Local Residents’ Employment Jobs Located in Sunnyside
Accommodation, Food Services, Arts, 17% Accommodation, Food Services, Arts, 6%
& Entertainment & Entertainment
Educational Services, Health Care, 16% Educational Services, Health Care, 12%
Social Assistance Social Assistance
Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services 15% Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services 4%
Retail Trade 9% Retail Trade 5%
Transportation, Warehousing, Utilities 9% Transportation, Warehousing, Utilities 2%
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate 7% Finance, Insurance, Real Estate 4%
Construction 7% Construction 11%
Manufacturing 4% Manufacturing 6%
Public Administration 3% Public Administration 0%
Other Services 13% Other Services 51%
Source: US Census Bureau, 2014-2018 American Community Survey; 2017 OnTheMap Application; NYS Department of Labor, February 2020.
Sunnyside 17DATA APPENDIX
Sunnyside Transportation
66 38 !
40 39 AV LVD
! AV ERN B
54 ST
AV !
41
AV NORTH 18
! AV
37
ST
T
52 ST
39
F
S
N
21
6 1 ST
V 39 AV
TA
27
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ST
RN
BA
24
55 ST
57 ST
69 32
N E
T
60
S
66 !
29
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43
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WOOD
!
AV SKILLMAN AV SIDE
! AV 18
V
TA
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ST
58 ST
62 ST
Q EV
U
OS
24
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AV N 43 AV RO
S ON S
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! CK 32 43 AV
49 ST
VD
JA
54 ST
38 ST
!45 AV THOMSO
! N AV QUEENS BLVD 32 60 60
39 ! 7 ! ! QM QM QM QM QM
1 4 5 6 44
44 ST
37 ST
42 ST
64 ST
QM QM QM
51 ST
33 ST
29 ST
48 ST
31 35 36
61 ST
X X
63 64 68
X
47 AV
47 AV
VAN DAM ST
40 ST
47 ST
45 ST
59 ST
35 ST
Mt Zion Cemetery
30 ST
31 ST
48 AV 39
67 49 AV
B
24
49 ST
V
HU TA BQE
27 ST
23 ST
NT IN
B
ER 24
51 AV SP N PO 50 AV TY
TA LER
V EE 39 39 AV
GR 52 AV
51 AV
BORDEN AV
ST 67 53 AV
34
RE
°
VI
EW
AV
ST 0 0.125 0.25 0.5 Miles
35 ST
37
Sunnyside Transportation
Bus Routes Bicycle Lanes NYC Subway
MTA Annual Bus Ridership MTA Annual Bus Ridership Average Weekday Subway Ridership
(2018)
780,514 B24 123,977 QM1/QM31
11,029
7 33rd Street
2.48M Q18 185,058 QM4/QM44
9,954 7 40th Street
3.28M Q32 512,787 QM5/QM35
12,828
7 46th Street
1.50M Q39 279,912 QM6/QM36
6,001 7 52nd Street
4.75M Q60 159,541 x63
4.53M Q66 77,477 x64
Vehicular Traffic
646,473 Q67 136,618 x68 43,033
Queens Boulevard between Jackson
Avenue and under BQE
2.93M Q69
4,829
Skillman Avenue between 49th Avenue
727,988 Q104 and 46th Street
4,532 Greenpoint Avenue between 39th
Street and Queens Boulevard
Source: MTA 2018; NYS DOT, 2016 Annual Average Daily Traffic data.
18 Avenue NYC Commercial District Needs AssessmentRecent SBS Neighborhood Investments
Commercial Revitalization, Avenue NYC multi-year grant awarded to the Sunnyside Shines BID, 2020-2022.
Neighborhood 360° Fellows Host Organization, awarded to Sunnyside Shines BID, 2020.
Placemaking, Avenue NYC grant of $30,000 awarded to Sunnyside Shines BID, 2018.
Neighborhood 360° Fellows Host Organization, awarded to Sunnyside Shines BID, 2018.
Placemaking, Avenue NYC grant of $30,000 awarded to Sunnyside Shines BID, 2017.
Placemaking, Avenue NYC grant of $30,000 awarded to Sunnyside Shines BID, 2016.
Current & Planned Developments
32-35 Queens Boulevard 47-16 Greenpoint Avenue
A planned 17-story, 208-foot tall hotel building with 59,618 square feet A planned 4-story, 60-foot tall mixed-use building with 8,683 square feet for
dedicated to commercial use, 65,122 square feet for a community facility residential use, 3,001 square feet for commercial use, 8,531 square feet for a
use, 155 units, and 8 parking spaces. community facility use, and 10 dwelling units.
43-39 38th Street 41-34 45th Street
This development is planned to be a 12-story, 170-foot tall mixed-use building Four blocks from the 46th Street subway station, the 8-story, 80-foot tall
with commercial use, a community facility space and 62 parking spaces. mixed-use building will include 17,386 square feet dedicated to residential
use, 1,402 square feet for a community facility, 25 dwelling units, and 8
parking spaces.
Existing Plans & Studies
Sunnyside Yards Master Plan, NYC Economic Development Corporation, 2020.
Sources
ESRI and Infogroup, Inc. 2020 ESRI Retail MarketPlace Profile.
JPMorgan Chase Institute, “The Early Impact of COVID-19 on Local Commerce: Changes in Spend Across Neighborhoods and Online,” June 2020,
https://institute.jpmorganchase.com/institute/research/cities-local-communities/early-impact-covid-19-local-commerce
Metropolitan Transportation Authority. 2018. Average Weekday Subway Ridership and Annual Bus Ridership.
National Federation of Independent Business, April 9, 2020,
https://www.nfib.com/content/press-release/economy/70-percent-of-small-businesses-applied-for-ppp-loans-nearly-half-applied-for-eidl/
NYS Department of Labor. February 2020. Unemployment Rate Rankings by County.
NYS Department of Transportation. 2016 Annual Average Daily Traffic, using Traffic Data Viewer.
NYC Department of Finance, Division of Tax Policy, using data from NYS Department of Taxation and Finance. Business sales are reported by tax year, which runs
from March 1st to February 28th. Sales data are compiled from sales tax returns, which are rolled up by tax filer within a year, excluding returns with negative sales
amounts. For each year, each tax filer is reported according to the address listed on their latest return. Large outliers were removed from the analysis, and the top
5% of filers from Manhattan and the top 1% of filers from the outer boroughs by sales were removed.
NYC Department of Small Business Services. Fiscal Year 2019. Business Improvement Districts Trends Report.
U.S. Census Bureau. 2017. OnTheMap Application. Longitudinal-Employer Household Dynamics Program.
U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2014 American Community Survey 4-Year Estimates, using NYC Census FactFinder. Sunnyside Census
Tracts: 169, 179, 181.01, 181.02, 183, 185.01, 185.02, 187, 189, 235, 235.01, 235.02.
Photo Credits: Gabe Rodriguez; MC3; Sunnyside Shines BID: Jaime Cho; Theo @tiobarnabas.
Sunnyside 19ABOUT SBS The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) helps unlock
economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers
by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses,
and building thriving neighborhoods across the five boroughs.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We would like to recognize and thank the following individuals and
organizations for their contributions to the development of the
Sunnyside Commercial District Needs Assessment:
Queens Borough President Sharon Lee
NYC Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer
Queens Community Board 2
Sunnyside Shines BID
Sunnyside Merchants
Sunnyside Shoppers and Residents
Small Business Unit, NYS Assembly Member Brian Barnwell’s Office
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