Beyond Regulation: Special Improvement Districts, Design Review and Place-making in New Jersey

Abstract

Business improvement districts have become increasingly involved in shaping urban policy. In New Jersey, localities are showing interest in legislation that allows the delegation of design review to BIDs. Examining delegations in Bayonne and Maplewood, the paper illustrates the issues that arise when BIDs are proactively involved in both the development of review guidelines and the design of project proposals in addition to their regulatory role. Specifically, it is argued that this raises risks of the capture of the legislative process, bias and conflicts of interest. The paper concludes by offering practical suggestions to improve accountability and fairness in such innovative arrangements.

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