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The South Shore Merchant Project continues to bring services to areas in Staten Island. Formed under a partnership with the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation and City Councilman Vincent Ignizio, the program provides street cleaning, security, landscape and parking improvements as well as signage and holiday decorations.

These are the amenities merchants would get if they belonged to a business improvement district.

"Every little thing helps. Clean street always gonna help, people look in those things," said Salvatore Amato, owner of a neighborhood pizzeria.

The $50,000 project is currently underway in Eltingville, Annadale and Great Kills, which are all heavily trafficked areas that are home to many small businesses.

There are 62 BIDs all over the city, but just one on Staten Island. Ignizio is hoping to change that.

"The money stays right here in the town. So if you're spending an extra $100 a month, which is a lot of money, I'm not saying it's not, but that $100 a month from all the businesses goes right back in the towns for security, for cleanups, for beautification, to encourage people to come into the towns and shop. So it's an investment," said Ignizio.

The councilman plans to fund the program for at least the next year. He hopes the merchants will eventually take over and pay for the improvements themselves, but some of them aren’t so sure.

"It's great that they did that, but we have to see how it keeps up. We have to see what happens," said Sue Schettini of Bagel Depot.

If the program is a success, local leaders will bring it to other towns on the South Shore.