Barbara Randall: The shifting tenancy of the area; it used to be a single-industry district, but as manufacturing left and other uses have moved in, the defining characteristics are changing. It's still the home to American fashion and it's a world fashion capital, but the micro-economy of the district has become more diverse. The area now includes other "creative economy" uses such as graphic artists, photographers, architects, studio artists, galleries, off-Broadway theatres and others.

Barbara Randall: When the side street buildings housed manufacturing, there wasn't much need for aesthetics on the street level. But as new categories of tenants moved in and many side street buildings began welcoming showroom businesses, the pedestrian experience needed to improve, to be more attractive and user-friendly. Our programs have focused on two types: those that the Fashion Center implements and those that we incentivize property owners to undertake. Our efforts include new street lamps, banners, news box-planters, flower plantings, waste receptacles, street signage, enhancements, informational pylons, security and sanitation services, and safety lighting. Property owners have undertaken numerous improvements including storefront lighting, see-through security grille-gates, store signage, address plaques, sidewalk replacement and most recently, the painting of loading bays with bright colors, all with the BID's support. Additionally, many owners are renovating their lobbies and elevators, which improves what you see from the street when looking into building entrances.

Barbara Randall: This has been a consistent trend in the district and will likely continue for years to come. There is not enough manufacturing in New York City to fill the space that is currently preserved for this use. There is no reason to believe that manufacturing will return to these shores and as a result, space that is designated for manufacturing is being used by other categories of business.This creates a great opportunity for the neighborhood to become redefined; to have a more diverse economic base; and to recognize the value of its midtown location. There are, however, restrictive zoning regulations that need to be revisited by the city policy makers and planners in order for the neighborhood to fully realize its potential. However, as part of any plan to change zoning the city will have to carefully consider measures that must be taken to ensure that the fashion industry in this district remains here and continues to thrive. Displacing the fashion industry would not only be terrible for the industry, it would be terrible for New York.

Barbara Randall: Absolutely. Promoting the fashion industry and creating business-to-business tools has always been a cornerstone of our programming. We've done domestic and international marketing in the past and we're always exploring new ways to promote the local industry. Our information kiosk and Web site (fashioncenter.com) are heavily trafficked by visitors from around the world.

Barbara Randall: On the local level, the special garment district zoning has been a challenge since the BID was established in 1993. There is simply too much space being preserved for a severely diminished use. Additionally, it forces owners to rent to uses not permitted, or leave their spaces empty. It's been difficult trying to find other ways to keep as much manufacturing as we can while allowing for other uses. A policy that created incentives for industry uses in the district, but released space to other uses that were not needed for the fashion industry, would make the most sense. Disturbing the eco-system that currently exists for the fashion industry, here in this district, would surely threaten the continued viability of the industry. However preserving space for a use that no longer exists certainly does not make sense particularly when there is such a shortage of office space in Manhattan. This is not an insurmountable problem but it requires a real commitment on the part of the city to develop and implement a plan.

Barbara Randall: Location, location, location! Our midtown location is surrounded by incredible resources of mass transportation and New York City amenities. There are great office buildings on the avenues, incredible loft spaces on the side streets, great area retailers, and some of the best pedestrian counts in the city.