Troy, New York, November 6, 2008 – The Troy Downtown Collaborative (TDC) began planting 12 trees today that will fill empty tree wells throughout Downtown Troy. The trees are part of an effort by the TDC to show by example what a Business Improvement District will be able to do on a larger scale. “Planting these trees is just a small taste of the real change a Business Improvement District will be able to make here in Downtown Troy” said Elizabeth Young, TDC Director. “The BID plan outlines a beatification effort in downtown that will be continuous and sustainable, that anyone living, working, or visiting Downtown will notice and enjoy.” The TDC has released the final BID plan, and hopes the Troy City Council at tonight’s meeting will set a date for a BID public hearing in December. A copy of the plan is on file with the Troy City Clerk, and can be found on the group’s web site, www.troybid.org. The Troy Downtown Collaborative has worked on a number of projects throughout 2008 in an effort to further their four main objectives: beautification, marketing, special events and business development – the same goals outlined in the BID plan. The TDC worked with the City and business partners on planning special events like Rockin’ on the River, Troy Night Out, Chowderfest and Troy Pig Out. The group also sweeps the sidewalks of the district, hung flowers baskets in the warmer months and has plans for new street banners and holiday wreaths for the Downtown area this year. Contact: Elizabeth Young Director, Troy Downtown Collaborative 274 River Street, Troy, NY 12180 Cell: 518-727-9786 E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: www.troybid.org