Commercial District Services, LLC.

Notwithstanding the questions around containerization's long-term effectiveness and the scarcity of public space, the dialogue between the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) and the City's BIDs highlights a more immediate concern: the widening rift between public and private stakeholders within the BID framework. The public/private partnership model arose from a need for private property owners to establish agency and exert influence over the economic health of their districts, addressing shortcomings in municipal services during the 70s and 80s. This partnership flourishes when public policy provides support and grants a degree of autonomy within the public realm. Examples of this relationship are demonstrated with streamlined permitting for outdoor dining, less restrictive regulations for pole banners (outside NYC), and accommodation of electrical needs for holiday decorations. Tensions arise when "supplemental" services become "primary" services, mistakenly perceived by the public as mandatory. This shift strains the partnership, leaving BIDs to grapple with the very same challenges and funding shortfalls they were originally designed to overcome. Regarding containerization, NYC should be careful not to jeopardize its relationship with BIDs by trying to offload the costs of public initiatives—which should be covered by general taxes—onto BIDs, which lack the fundraising capabilities and access to capital markets of their much larger public counterparts. City of New York #NYCBIDS

??This is a great article from Monmouth County highlighting affordability's role in school enrollment, which was touched on briefly at yesterday's Downtown NJ panel on Affordability and TOD. ?? One of the key takeaways for me from yesterday's panel was the benefits that density and affordability can have on a school district, not presenting a burden, but rather serving as a long-term stabilizer for the overall health of the community and local economy. Jonathan Sternesky Some other key takeaways: ?? Get active locally...municipal councils need to reflect the mindset and changes needed for a healthy and economically prosperous community. ?? It's not just about NYC...driving development and transit forward to create greater connectivity between NJ communities and growing local economies should be a priority. Patrick Terborg Christopher Pugliese Kristen Mitchell Lorissa Luciani, PP, AICP Staci Berger Stephanie DiPetrillo Natalie Pineiro Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy New Jersey Department of Community Affairs

Notwithstanding the high cost, the efficacy of containerization is limited. In some cases, it may create more problems than it solves. Locking mechanisms fail, doors fail, and rodents do what rodents do. The containers themselves have to be cleaned and washed regularly. Within dense mixed-use corridors with significant curb management challenges, the long-term goal should be transporting bags off the street faster, not encumbering limited space and storing more garbage. Rather than punishing BIDs the City of New York should seek ways to leverage the management and localized support that BIDs bring to the table. Likewise, commercial stakeholders must understand that a greater level of investment may be needed to support the core programs that preserve their real estate values and the quality of life for their commercial and residential tenants. ??Potential solutions: ??Special sanitation overlay that allows the City to purchase appropriately sized compactor vehicles dedicated to serving BIDs with budgets $2.5 Million or less. The debt service and labor costs, in part, could be funded by a special assessment on properties within those districts and amortized over five years. ??City reimbursement of up to 50% to BIDs for the purchase of a #green or #electricvehicle to transport trash bags to prescribed locations. ??City reimbursement of 50% to 100% of the cost of containers depending on the BIDs budget capacity and ability to provide the additional cleaning needed due to the grease and residue that the containers create. International Downtown Association #newyorkcity #sanitation #businessimprovementdistricts #cleanandsafe #NYCBIDS

In this opinion piece, Mayor London Breed explains the clear thinking that all cities need to adopt: "Our goal with enforcement is not to punish people; it’s to make clear that when we offer help—whether by our encampment teams in the moment or by another outreach worker making their daily rounds—that these offers are not an option. They are?the?option."?Downtown NJ City and County of San Francisco