North Riverdale Merchant Organizing

KRVC’s work in North Riverdale began in the fall of 2010 in partnership with State Senator Jeff Klein and the Riverdale Neighborhood House.  In September, we held the first of many organizing meetings to bring together the merchants of North Riverdale. Later that fall, PS 81, the Riverdale Neighborhood House/RNH, State Senator Jeffrey Klein, KRVC and Community Board 8 held a special community event in North Riverdale, Fall Funday. On the tennis courts of Riverdale Neighborhood House, nearly 40 local merchants, schools and community organizations set up exhibitions and vendor tables.  The locally owned Mobile Disc Jockey Service kept everyone dancing all day.  The children were also entertained by a fun and interactive Magic Show! In the yard of PS 81, fun activities for children were everywhere.  The day at PS 81 included many fun Halloween activities, food, music, crafts, games, costumes, fresh produce, including pumpkins and apples, and much, much more. By the spring of 2011, the merchants had formed an Association and elected officers and held an Orange! News Conference, which launched a cross-marketing coupon program. KRVC has remained supportive and works closely with the North Riverdale Merchants Association.  In the spring of 2013, the two organizations co-hosted a Spring Festival along the Riverdale Avenue commercial corridor and later that year the Association recognized KRVC's Executive Director with an award. In 2014, KRVC created a page and directory for the Association on this website and now features their meetings in the News Section of this site.