Critics in New York City cite that community groups and city officials are often swayed to approve projects by unrelated freebies provided by the developer.
Community Benefits Agreements have been hailed by social and environmental justice advocates as powerful tools to ensure responsible development. The agreements, often required with large redevelopment projects that attract public subsidies, usually provide for living wage jobs and affordable housing, along with other concessions.
"Advocates of C.B.A.'s, as they are known, see them as an outgrowth of the Smart Growth movement â€" the idea that development decisions should address a broad range of social and economic issues like transportation, jobs and housing."
But in New York City, it is becoming more commonplace for major projects to offer all sorts of concessions -- including free tickets to sports events and cash for local community groups. Critics worry that new developments are being evaluated on the generosity of the developer, and not the merits of the project.
Read the full story: In Major Projects, Agreeing Not to Disagree
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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