Investors Bank funds holiday lights on 13th Avenue

There’s a new addition to the legendary Dyker lights.

Just in time for the holidays, Investors Bank – which will open a brand new branch on 13^th Avenue in the spring of 2016 – has put forth the funds to ensure that the thoroughfare will see a “holiday skyline” full of lighting fixtures from 86^th to 65^th Street, according to the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.

“I would like to thank Investors Bank for their generous donation and for giving this wonderful holiday gift to Dyker Heights,” said Chamber President and CEO Carlo Scissura, noting that the organization was thrilled to help facilitate the funding. “These holiday lights will beautify the 13th Avenue commercial corridor, leading to greater foot traffic, a more pleasant shopping experience for patrons and increased business for local merchants.”

“We are pleased to support the Chamber’s activities by donating funds for the holiday lighting display,” said Investors Bank Chief Operating Officer Domenick Cama. “During this season of giving, the bank and its employees are also assisting local nonprofits that help many families in Brooklyn and across New York City. As a community bank, we are focused on making a positive difference for the people and local businesses in the many neighborhoods we serve.”

“I am always happy to see one of our merchants come forward with such intense support of our avenue and community, especially from a big company such as Investors Bank,” said Dominick Sarta, president of the 13th Avenue Merchants Association. “Thirteenth Avenue is known as one of the few ‘mom and pop’ shopping strips left, so it is nice to see them give back to our small and friendly community. I think I can speak on behalf of all the merchants of 13th Avenue by saying that this Christmas season, we will be thinking of and thanking Investors Bank for keeping our avenue lit up and in spirit.”

The strip is poised to make a big change. The Chamber, with the help of local businessowners and community stakeholders, has been making headway in its fight to form a Business Improvement District on 13^th Avenue, an effort supported by Councilmember Vincent Gentile.

“I was pleased to allocate more than $20,000 via a neighborhood development grant to the Brooklyn Chamber so that the 13th Avenue BID effort could get a significant push forward,” said the pol, whose district encompasses the nabe. “That’s why I am so happy to learn of Investors Bank’s co-sponsorship with the Chamber for the holiday lights decoration on 13th Avenue this year.”

According to Assemblymember Peter Abbate, the allocation could not be more fitting given the hood’s reputation for out-of-this-world holiday lights.

“The residents of Dyker Heights are known for decorating their houses in elaborate lighting displays,” he said, “so it is great to see the commercial district festive and bright for the holiday season as well.”