From dazzling summer concerts to vibrant murals and bustling new businesses, downtown Glen Cove has been buzzing with energy — and much of that success can be traced to the Glen Cove Downtown Business Improvement District.
On Feb. 6, BID members, business owners and city officials gathered at Otherside Wine Bar, on Glen Street, for the organization’s annual meeting, at which they celebrated a year of achievements and outlined ambitious plans for 2025.
The evening’s presentation highlighted BID-led events that brought thousands of people downtown, showcased beautification efforts that transformed public spaces, and underscored the downtown’s growing economic momentum.
“The BID serves as the liaison between its shareholders and City Hall, and as an advocate for downtown businesses,” Executive Director Jill Nossa said. “We maintain information, resources and referrals helpful to our members and potential new businesses.”
The BID plays a significant role in maintaining the downtown’s visual appeal, investing in various capital improvement projects. Over the past year, the organization spent money on landscaping, seasonal decorations and infrastructure enhancements.
“Every year we purchase flower baskets that hang from the downtown lampposts from Memorial Day through Veterans Day,” Nossa said. Additionally, the BID has a contract with a local landscaping company to maintain downtown greenery, and installs mums and cabbages each fall.
The BID also collaborates with local organizations to enhance public spaces. In 2024, the Glen Cove Education Foundation hung banners featuring graduating seniors on BID lampposts, a project set to continue this year. The Glen Cove Library partnered with the BID to create a bottle cap mural to honor veterans, now on display outside Staples.
Infrastructure improvements have been a key focus. Last year, pedestrian ramps at the Brewster Street garage were upgraded to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The BID also worked with city officials on a corridor study of Glen Street, resulting in recommendations for pedestrian-level lighting, actuated traffic lights, and sidewalk upgrades.
In an era when a digital presence is essential for business growth, the BID has worked to expand its reach across social media platforms. “The best way to reach people is through social media,” Nossa said. Under the guidance of marketing specialist Leah Dwyer, the BID has increased its visibility with consistent and engaging content.
In the past year, its Instagram following grew by 310, reaching over 15,000 accounts. Its Facebook presence expanded with 178 new followers, achieving a reach of more than 81,000 accounts.
The BID uses social media to promote downtown events, highlight local businesses and engage the community with themed posts. “We request photos from BID mothers so we can highlight them on Mother’s Day, fathers on Father’s Day, and we add any promotions that stores have as well,” Nossa explained.
Beyond social media, the organization ensures that downtown businesses receive media attention. “For every event hosted by the BID, we write a press release before and after to maximize coverage,” Nossa said. New business openings and major downtown developments are pitched to the media, leading to coverage from outlets like News 12 and the Herald.
The BID organizes numerous events throughout the year to bring the community together while supporting local businesses.
“Our biggest event of the year is Downtown Sounds, an event that has grown every year since it started nearly 28 years ago,” Nossa said. In 2024, despite inclement weather, thousands attended the summer concert series, which featured a variety of musical acts.
Other BID-led events included the Halloween Parade and Festival, which featured trick-or-treating at downtown businesses, bounce houses, a DJ, games, costume contests and a pie-eating contest. A trackless train ride was added to the Holiday Festival in December, and the New Year’s Eve Music Crawl brought live performances to a number of downtown establishments.
Recognizing the need for creative engagement, the BID introduced new initiatives, such as a teen talent showcase in place of the traditional Teen Idol contest. Glen Cove High School’s Select Chorale, the Finley Middle School chorus and Jazz Hands Children’s Theater took to the stage before Downtown Sounds concerts, drawing younger audiences downtown.
The BID has already begun planning for 2025, starting with a Valentine’s Day-themed scavenger hunt featuring QR codes hidden around downtown businesses.
Based on the success of the New Year’s Eve Music Crawl, the BID is planning an art crawl in March, showcasing local artists’ work in participating businesses. “We want everyone within the district to know that we’re here to help market and promote your business,” Nossa said.
Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck commended the BID’s work, emphasizing the city’s dedication to supporting local businesses. “I’ve been involved with the BID for a very long time,” Panzenbeck said. She added that the city is a “great” place for people of all ages to live in.
