French Street Special Improvement District Established

The French Street corridor is now a Special Improvement District! On May 20, the New Brunswick City Council approved an ordinance to establish the French Street Special Improvement District (SID) within the area proposed in our report, “French Street: Catalyzing Economic Benefits through a Special Improvement District.” This milestone was achieved through the collective efforts and planning of many French Street corridor residents, business and property owners, and other community stakeholders committed to a vibrant, equitable future for French Street. The nonprofit organization New Brunswick Tomorrow helped to facilitate the planning process.

The approved ordinance also initiates the creation of the French Street Corridor District Improvement Corporation to carry out the activities of the SID and manage its funds. The District Improvement Corporation will be incorporated with a representative board of directors composed of five business owners, five property owners, five residents or community representatives, a mayoral appointee, and a City Council appointee. The District Improvement Corporation is expected to formally begin operations in late summer. More information will be forthcoming soon about next steps in the formation and implementation of the SID, including a proposed first-year budget.

Multiple community organizations have also pledged to increase efforts to educate residential tenants, employers and workers in the French Street SID about tenants’ and workers’ rights to ensure that all members of the French Street community can benefit from the SID’s investments and improvements.

Thank you to everyone who made this possible! Stay tuned for further updates about the new French Street Corridor Special Improvement District!