Neighborhood transition is inevitable, whether consisting of demographic or economic shifts or structural changes in scale, building type or building use. The pace and success of these transitions are often greatly influenced by community and municipal support or opposition.
In 1980, the New York State Legislature passed NY Code - Section 25-401, enabling cities to independently establish Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), including an approval process intended to foster widespread community participation. Since then, the City has approved more than 60 BIDs that work to supplement municipal services, raise funds for physical improvements, and sponsor/market community activities intended to boost the local economy.
Over a 4-week period, I focused on developments that exemplify community transition at four sites: Columbus Circle, Times Square & the High Line in Manhattan, and Atlantic Yards in Brooklyn. To demonstrate the impact of BIDs on community transition, I identified the following: number & location of BIDs (and other relevant municipal distinctions) in proximity/relation to each site, BID establishment dates & constituency, BID stance on development, and perception of BID effectiveness in achieving its goals.
Starting with NYC government records, I catalogued basic facts about each BID such as its establishment date, leadership, budget, and boundaries. I reviewed the websites of each BID including annual reports and marketing statements, as well as reports submitted to various New York City government departments to identify goals and achievements. I also reviewed media such New York Times, local newsletters, and blogs to ascertain public opinion on BID effectiveness and stances on development.
Business Improvement Districts in transitioning areas in New York City have largely functioned to cushion the impact of rapid change on local business owners, taking on beautification and safety efforts to promote economic viability. The observed BIDs focused on public and open spaces, ensuring that public areas are maintained as community destinations, encouraging a sense of place and fostering diverse activities. As seen in Columbus Circle and Times Square, local BIDs have successfully marketed and promoted neighborhood transition, capitalizing on trends of increased safety, tourism, and residential affluence. In some instances, where community opposition is strong, BIDs have worked to limit the reach of development to save physical and cultural resources. As seen in Atlantic Yards and the High Line, local BIDs and other community-based organizations have balanced adjusting to new demographics with preserving neighborhood character by advocating for historic and zoning districts that limit or define the scale of development while still marketing to new residents and businesses.
My research demonstrates that despite the intention of Business Improvement Districts to reflect and protect existing local interests, many BIDs actually function to encourage neighborhood transitions, even at the cost of gentrification and displacement. Community-based organizations are crucial to ensure existing residents and businesses have a tangible influence on development, whether in the form of resistance via preservation or adaption via re-use or new uses. Ultimately, BIDs catalyze community transition by speeding the process of gentrification/revitalization or facilitating adaptive re-use by slowing physical transformation.
