Aug 04 2008
Programs
The following is a rough of a business plan… I can make this page “private” and assign a team to its development and links to a site for sharing edits, and spreadsheet analysis…. yes/no?
Lightwheels
QUEENSBORO FAIR: A World’s Fair for 2008/2009/2010
WHAT:
Really cool bikes and boats for rent, and a new vision of our common transportation future[RC1]
WHERE:
Meadow Lake at Flushing Meadow/ Corona Park, Queens, N.Y.
Site of the 1939 & 1964 World’s Fairs[RC2]
WHEN:
Over the next 3 years, hopefully much longer, maybe permanently[RC3]
WHO:
Designer/Builders of non-traditional, electric-assist and other human-powered bikes, trikes and boats
- Companies who are making these vehicles available to the public
- Advanced design, all-weather, all-terrain, multi-passenger etc. wheelchair makers
- A restaurant capable of supplying high quality, low cost food to a cart
- An Insurance, Airline and Shipping Company
HOW:
- By organizing the enterprise immediately, with clear goals, methods and interest.[RC4] On August 8, 2008 (8.8.08) Lightwheels will be open for business and have 20 to 50 bikes and 20-30 boats and kayacks to rent
- By contacting all the relevant parties confidentially, and inviting comment and involvement
- By raising sufficient funds, right away, through offering ownership stakes to investors and participants
- By earning enough from current operations to make this a self-supporting enterprise very soon
- By giving participants the opportunity to gain the funds necessary to finance their involvement
- By applying for grants through a nonprofit entity
WHY:
New laws and technological advances have made real breakthroughs in lightweight transportation possible today. What is needed is a high profile prestigious event, that will motivate designers, builders and allied companies from all over the world to bring their new ideas forward, and into the real world, as quickly as possible. Bridging the gap between the common bicycle and the luxury SUV is long overdue. From asthma rates and obesity to brownouts, traffic jams and melting icecaps, the severity of the economic and health damage we are causing, by maintaining our present levels and patterns of energy use, increases daily.
We know that bicycles, artisanship and stress on shared resources are common features in the lives of people from every corner of the world, including this one. Using our combined ingenuity, creativity and experience, we can begin to re-shape how we get ourselves, and our goods, around. If we are successful here, we may help inspire others to apply themselves to working together, to expand access to other needed improvements in our lives. Meanwhile, if introducing these new possibilities to the public primarily involves sharing pleasurable experiences, there can hardly be a better way to reach your goals.
The proposal: (comment: goals need objectives to measure progress)
- To operate the concession to rent bikes and boats and sell snacks at the Queens New York, Flushing Meadow/Corona Park, 93 acre “Meadow Lake”.
- To use this operation as the base, in order to stage a park-wide, traditional, creative and futuristic bike exhibition, demonstration and public participation program, to sow the seeds of a new World’s Fair, to operate continuously from April 2008 to April 2011, and beyond.
- To start with the fun part, the “rides” by employing and making available, colorful, usable, creative, existing and futuristic varieties of electric-assisted and human powered transportation, for the young, old and in-between.
- To involve the existing resources in the park, the Hall of Science, the Wildlife Center, the Art Museum, Skating Rink, Zoo, Botanical Garden, Sports Stadiums etc. in a sustained program to use the popularity of these small and slow-moving, new, strange and wonderful vehicles, to increase both overall Park use and ease of movement, to become a new form of public transit.
- To earn such broad appreciation of this activity, that a version of this system becomes a permanent part of this and other parks’ infrastructure, attractiveness, and service to the communities which surround them.
- To expand the benefits which may evolve here, to public spaces throughout New York City and in other places by existing also as a traveling exhibit.
- To structure this effort as a private enterprise, with a public purpose, and return to the original supporters, both investors and participants, along with many other rewards, substantial profits, without allowing this to become a profit-oriented, bottom-line based event.
- To encourage artists and craftspeople, from both the surrounding neighborhoods and the almost 190 countries from which they hail, (all of which use bikes far more than we do), the other 49 States and New York’s 62 Counties to become participants by choosing representative vehicles from each, determined through open contests, to be put into use here.
- To further encourage these developments by expediting access to travel, hospitality and other needed support to visiting designers and builders, by soliciting help, especially from those who hail from their home towns, to help enable the broadest involvement possible.
- To use the boat rental facility that is a part of this concession, as a way to launch a waterborne (and airborne, at least through balloons and kites) version of this event simultaneously. To involve other sustainable technologies, like solar and wind energy.
- To include the one million K-PhD students and teachers who are part of our school system today, as possible hands-on participants in the “Queensboro Fair”. This completely serious effort is nevertheless intended to be thoroughly enjoyable. It is dedicated to marshaling the resources needed to enable us to transform and vastly upgrade our access to clean, quiet, human-scale-vehicles, while also demonstrating how these ingenious devices can form a new element of our vital public transit system.
World’s Fairs are founded to highlight cultural diversity and technology and be fun too. This plan is a dramatic and constructive response to the latest news on impending drastic climate change. Working to encourage innovation and accelerating the healing process of the planet is now job number one.
Since this is a three-year program, initially, to save time and complexity, mostly conventional vehicles can be used with a scattering of the unusual. By the time year two arrives, a majority of vehicles that qualify as unique or exotic[RC5] .
Because this will be played out fully on the internet, there can be an infinite number of worthy vehicles catalogued, described, shown in action and even made available for purchase where appropriate. Assembling this resource will begin by culling the best examples from existing databases.
All 190 countries in the world, 62 New York State counties, New York City’s 59 Community Boards and the other 49 States will all be invited to participate, 360 in all. [RC6]
We are seeking the cooperation of some of the airlines which continuously buzz this park, in order to be able to offer deeply discounted or free transport for both these vehicles and perhaps even their creators. An insurance company too might feel the need to associate themselves with such life-supporting activity.
- A variety of boats, from radio controlled to wind-propelled, scale models or full sized, can look and work beautifully on these quiet waters. We will cooperate fully with our neighbors, The American Small Craft Association (TASCA), and Row New York, in expanding the opportunity for people to learn to sail and use other watercraft safely. We would also be interested in displaying and using the latest in environmentally responsible, human and electric powered boats, for the enjoyment of parks users. Rowboats, canoes and paddleboats would still be available, but augmented by some higher-tech, exotic and uniquely configured craft, maybe even some Dragon boats.
- We can also use the surrounding space, especially the lake itself, to exhibit artworks, some in the form of boats, others launched for fun or art’s sake. The odd bikes and other radically different land-based vehicles being made available for parks users will themselves seem to many to be mobile sculptures, and rightfully so. It doesn’t hurt that many of them are also serious statements about the nature of our universe and our ability to impact important issues by using creative approaches.
- The sale and rental of kites can also be a part of this enterprise, including contests and displays. Having an airborne element will complete the picture and allow for another highly visual demonstration of the benefits of quiet, colorful, creative and social activity, to bring life to the park.
- Ways can be found to engage nearby public transportation, with lightweight, low speed, people and park friendly vehicles, available at convenient locations to help users to easily and inexpensively take that last long step from the Willets Point Station or the Mets’ parking lot, to the skating rink or Botanical Garden. Synergies should help draw new park users and customers from far beyond the usual places, to help make all of these recreational facilities as well as the park as a whole and its many varied attractions increasingly popular destinations, for many residents and tourists alike.
- Professional managers, as well as the people on the front lines, expect and deserve to be well compensated, with good benefits. Since a large number of free rides will be given, many volunteers will also be involved in the operation. At least one quarter of all employees must be drawn from neighborhoods that are no more than a five-minute walk or bike-ride from the borders of the Flushing Meadow/ Corona Park.
- FINANCES[RC7]
This is a business venture with a relatively modest downside risk and the potential for a huge upside. Since it is beginning without major funding, those involved at this juncture stand to benefit very substantially if it is successful. At the worst, it should be lots of fun, and for a good cause.
Cash, to finance initial moves, can be raised by various means:
- A 6% interest in the possible future gross receipts of this enterprise will be sold to generate seed money. Some variation of this model is envisioned:
- The first $20,000 will yield a 2% stake, the next $40,000 2% and the last $240,000 2%.
- This $300,000 will also be considered a 10% interest per year loan to the enterprise, secured by the equipment. Some labor will also be construed as a loan or investment.
- Collectible artwork, reproducible on clothing, posters, etc., can be created and sold.
- Grants may be awarded to the nonprofit element of this event.
In-kind support will also be solicited from:
An Insurance Company
Bike Equipment Manufacturers
Media and Communications Companies
Other Park-based institutions
Businesses located in Queens and its environs
The MTA
Receipts to be Divided
10% to investors, 10% to organizers, 10% to City, 70% to cover expenses and participants’ share. Volunteering and logging in hours on any element of the project as agreed to by the managers has the potential (not guarantee) of a return for time given.
In order to keep the profit motive from overwhelming all other factors, limits will be put on the portion of proceeds which may be used to repay investors. One suggestion is that at least the same amount must be used to finance free use of these facilities by those for whom it would represent a substantial hardship to pay for them.
EXISTING CONDITIONS:
This effort will be greeted positively by the current political leadership, since it will affirm New York’s identity as a “world city” with a deepening commitment to the environment. Every attempt is being made here to be fully inclusive and positive. One concern is a competing corporate-driven attempt to do a more profit-oriented, less participatory version of this concept, especially if this first stage turns out to be a rousing success.
There is a broad range of new human-scale, clean and affordable transport modalities on the way. Ironically, some of these urgently needed design “advances”, such as multi-passenger “sociable” bikes, existed in abundance 100 years ago. What is significant is the ongoing legislation by the NYS legislature to classify electric-assist vehicles as bikes, enabling us to take a fresh look at a host of previously abandoned or discarded ideas, that can be as colorful and fun as they are useful.
Everybody needs green spaces, exercise and safe, non-destructive and affordable ways to get around. This program can also help to generate similar activities in other places too, through local design contests etc. Many different groups will be happy to help in this process, from the wheelchair community to environmentalists, and a bicycling population that includes practically everyone from everywhere.
STRUCTURE OF THE ENTERPRISE
This event will be directed by a board, put together by the organizers, which will include representatives of the investors, and the participants. Each of the relevant park-based institutions will also be asked to meet regularly with this group. Activity will be more transparent and participatory than usual. The city itself, of course, has final control over virtually every aspect of such events as these.
VEHICLE DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
These will vary considerably, depending on many factors. If it is in the form of a drawing, a model or something that only the designer/builder rides, it can be practically anything non-hazardous at all. If it may be used by other designer/builders only, in a kind of exchange, one set of requirements and proper waivers and releases will be in effect. If the public is going to be allowed to use the vehicles within a confined space and protected environment, another, more strict set of standards will have to be used. If it will be possible for users to ride it away, to use in the rest of the park, the most stringent requirements will exist. This will need to be negotiated with the eventual insurance company.
This event can be regarded by participants as everything from an interactive website to exchange and expose ideas, for some, to a commercial exposition for others, who are demonstrating products. Certainly, the protection of the public is paramount, so fairgoers would need to sign releases and have risks explained carefully, especially due to the varying stages of development different vehicles are in. Meanwhile, the more flexibility, within the bounds of safety, the better.
SAILS, KITES, BALLOONS & TUNES
Other elements, with the cooperation of the Park’s managers, involving fun activities, especially those available to all park users regardless of resources, can also be brought into this effort. Existing ethnic festivals will be invited to incorporate this event into their ongoing programs. Storytelling, with or without music, surely seems appropriate. With the Park’s own lake and marina close by, finding the most beautiful and pleasurable ways to catch the wind certainly seems like the most natural thing to do.
FLEXIBILITY
There are also no electric-assisted boats or other exotic craft presently, but no apparent prohibition on them either. The Parks Department leases tend to be very specific and limiting, but as regards the food being sold, officials there have expressed the willingness or even desire, that the usual hot dogs and chips be upgraded nutritionally, as long as the final product is affordable. The same methodology should apply to the desire to expand into kites, balloons, novel watercraft etc.
BOARD OF ADVISORS
Dedicated to improving everyone’s ability to enjoy their park experiences, by preserving and enhancing its natural beauty, while expanding accessibility to new, healthful, non-intrusive activities. This board is also responsible for making certain that all parties to this event can contribute their ideas and concerns and participate in the process of addressing them. A second, Technical Board, will be formed to assist designers and builders in developing the most advantageous vehicles while minimizing the likelihood of harm.
25 people paid $25 for one hour per week, during 40 weeks each year, for advice, help and decision-making. $25,000 per year cost.
COSTS:
Bikes
Boats
Equipment
Office
Phones
Labor
Insurance
Lawyers
Travel
Shipping
Storage
Board of Advisors
INCOME:
Rental of vehicles
Grants
Merchandise
Sale of food and beverages
The following is a breakdown of the finances of this project if it is done on a minimal basis, with very modest assumptions regarding use etc:
Capitalization
We will purchase 50 bicycles and 30 boats. Although the costs will vary, we will estimate $600 per unit
This is actually a high end figure given the products available. However, it leaves breathing room for costs of delivery, set up, repairs, servicing and providing storage and display racks/accessories.
80 at $600 each $48,000
Note:
For purposes of depreciation (on income statement) we are going to assume a ten year useful life (4800 per year) Improvements/Renovations to the Location: This will include signage, 12,000
Investment in Equipment (cash registers, computer, wiring) Outdoor Furniture, Racks/Protection for Equipment (see above)
TOTAL COST to OPEN $60,000
Working Capital – This assumes we will need FIVE MONTHS of RENT (60,000) upfront plus 10,000 in cash for payroll/direct costs until SALES and REVENUE STREAMS begin to flow.
TOTAL CASH necessary for CAPITALIZATION $120,000
We believe that this sum can be easily financed with a 50/50 SPLIT between OWNER’S EQUITY and DEBT. Owners can put up 60,000 and be patient for a return, Bank Loan (assume 10% simple interest) for 60000 This explains the 6000 interest shown as a cost.
While it may take more than one year, we believe that the Owner’s Equity will offer a very good return. Additional forms of REVENUE (school trips, merchandise, Sales of Vehicles, Advertising on Vehicles and Signage, Corporate Sponsorships) have not even been discussed. This ‘model’ is deliberately on a small scale so that we can start slowly.
Shooting the Moon
The following is a breakdown of expenses and income possibilities, should this turn out to be a very popular event. Under ideal conditions, this is typically just six month concession. It could be open and running for ten months a year, especially since the development and use of weather-protecting cycles, (the key current disadvantage of lightest-weight vehicles like bikes) is also a major goal here.
Restate: light-weight bikes + dress provide year round comfort. For examples (Click here)
To be conservative this economic rundown assumes only 180 days clement enough to operate at full tilt. Likewise, it assumes an eight-hour day, when a sixteen hour operation, between 7 am and 11 pm, is allowed under this contract.
It is also true that capacity is more than 50% higher than this. This what?
The following calculations examine the potential for additional operational profits on food and an ice cream concession “carts” as part of this concession,
An online element which would be a big part of this. How exactly? Examples are Advertising, subscriptions that provide membership privileges, package marketing leading to sale of hardware, clothing, alternative transportation vacation packages Something is missing in the presentation if not the logic…
Gross Receipts Expenses
150 Bikes + 150 Boats 300 Vehicles @$1000 $300,000
X 2 people/vehicle average Rent $ 80,000
X 8 Hours/Day Insurance 10% of gross) $430,000
X 180 Days/Year
Help 10@$10/Hr 10@ $20 $450,000
X $5/Hour/Person Space Improvements $100,000 + Vehicle sales, food, kites etc. Legal, PR etc. $100,000
Total is $4,320,000 + Total is $ 1,460,000
Using these assumptions, this project would show a profit even if it generated only a quarter of the projected receipts.
Marketing The Queensboro Fair
Slide and ride… no such thing as a bad idea list…
360 degrees of connection
190 Countries
62 Counties
49 States
59 Community Boards
360 contests to pick representative vehicles
The Web
All entries posted
Educational material provided
Cross-fertilization encouraged
Patent protections facilitated
Initial set-up versus eventual configuration
50 Generic bikes and boats provided as stand-ins until the realer deal arrive
Arrangement with bike provider for vehicles in exchange for promotional value
Exhibit of photos posted on inside and outside walls show what is expected to come later
10x the number of bikes, 5 x the number of boats soon
Limit is a multiple of these numbers
Physical Facilities
Tenting of Fenced-in area
Connection to main building
Willow Lake access
Night watch-person for security
Bike and Boat types
1-2-4-6- person rowboats, paddle-boats and bikes
Some include electric-assisted element or rider-powered assist
“Excursion” with environmental/historical/nautical/world’s fair history and questions
Organization
Means to make decisions
Format of effort as non-profit/for-profit hybrid
Volunteers
Oversight committees
The Airlines
Starting with Virgin and LaGuardia’s largest tenants
Investment
Amount needed under various scenarios
Payback vs. continuing interest
Original backers are permitted to continue to invest
Community Resources
Environmental
Health
Creative
Related business
Health clubs
Bike and sporting goods stores
Tourist and travel
Lodging
Political Elements
All Council-people
Assembly and State Senators especially re: Gantt’s bill
Boro President’s office, Helen Marshall for catalogue of local assets
Food
Co-operatively with respected local restaurants
Multi-ethnicity
Authenticity
Quality
Affordability
Delivery
Healthier, smoothies etc.
What Knish Knosh doesn’t do next door (They can deliver too)
Special Events
10-50 vehicles can be rented out transported, with trainers, for parties etc.
Facility may be booked for period of time or entire day (with always some public access)
Cooperation among park Institutions
Introduce concept of a Park wide bike-sharing system
Co-promotions
Adjacent Queens communities want to be part of it
Bus transport
Bike taxis-Pedicabs
Exhibit
Laminated prints
Sinclair C-5, Conference bike etc. etc.
Indoors and outdoors
Large enough to be seen from Highways
Educational events
Films
Lectures
Connection to Queens College, St. John’s, York etc.
Interactive design and building sessions
Wilson’s follies
Invitations to Gary Fisher, John Tetz etc.
Streaming on internet
Access to park
Map existing buses and subways
Identify internal bus routes
Chinese vans to open service to Manhattan, Main street, FH
Directional signage improvements within park and on adjoining streets
Racing connection
Kissena Velodrome, Squid and Steve K.
IHPVA invite
Touring connection
Rides can originate here
Contact clubs, XU, TA, 5BBC
Promotion and Press
Announcements on flyers posted all over QueensPublishing a newspaper covering all park institutions
Seek cooperation of local ethnic presses
Celebs, free rides,
Reasons to visit facility
Music and poetry and story-telling
Contests
Vehicle Art
Kites
Flying
Making
Contact clubs and associations
Balloons too?
Free Rides
Choosing recipients: Any adult with a child
Hours – 9AM to 12 Noon
Encourage sharing
Paddle to Verdana and Bike Bike back
Note on budget that needs clarification.
In both cases, managers handle the money
Lightwheels begins with a working assumption of 200 days of operations broken into five days per week or 40 weeks per year. Winter closing months will be questioned and reviewed. (See Winter Events)
Please note that there may be a rotation on the staff due to seasonal volume and labor costs may go higher if the demand proves it is necessary
The 36 hour week is based on an eight hour day with around 45 minutes ‘off’ for lunch breaks for an hour for lunch/recess with 1/5 of it paid!
[RC1]Illustrations….list
[RC2]Maps via Google
[RC3]Reference planning calendar in Blog
[RC4]Goals are stated in the future perfect tense…. Objectives are concrete (names of people, numbers, dates, etc)
[RC5]Curiosity is less interesting than exploring a change in lifestyle…
[RC6]A beautiful metaphor – origin? Purpose?
[RC7] Need major hard core research.
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