The Next Chapter for French Street

Following a six-month planning and evaluation process, New Brunswick Tomorrow and a committee of French Street area business owners, property owners, and residents is preparing to recommend the formation of a Special Improvement District (also known as a "Business Improvement District") for the French Street area as a positive step for the district’s economic vitality and experience of its users and stakeholders. 

A SID is a powerful tool to help local commercial corridors self-direct activities that benefit and grow the district and its businesses. To learn more about SIDs and how they function, read below or visit our last News post on this page.

Establishing a SID in the French Street area will advance a cleaner, safer, more vibrant and united district by creating both a dedicated, sustainable revenue source for district improvement activities and a new nonprofit district management organization governed by a board representing business and property owners to carry out these activities.

Our proposed recommendations, in brief, are as follows:

• Establish a SID encompassing French Street and surrounding areas (see map and description below).
• Establish a new, dedicated nonprofit district management organization for the singular purpose of managing the SID and implementing activities that benefit and improve the district. This nonprofit organization will be governed by a board of directors, the supermajority of whom will be owners of businesses and/or properties in the district.
• Enact a special assessment on vacant, commercial, industrial, and large apartment (5+ units) properties in the SID to fund activities benefiting the district. The proposed assessment is 0.275% of property value for all actively used properties and 0.550% for vacant lots. The projected median monthly assessment cost for a district commercial property would be $129. (Residential properties of 1-4 units would be exempt.)
• Focus on the priorities and initatives identified by business owners, property owners, and residents, including business support programs, improved maintenance, district marketing, and public safety initiatives.

1. What is a SID? A Special Improvement District (SID) or Business Improvement District is a specific area designated by a municipal government that can raise special funding for exclusive use on activities and services – like cleaning, beautification, marketing, and assistance to businesses – that benefit that specific district. The power to designate an area a SID is granted to municipalities by NJ state law. There are over 100 SIDs in NJ, including one in New Brunswick’s downtown/George Street area. Nearly all of the state’s thriving business corridors are SIDs, because it is such a powerful tool for enhancing business district development.   

2. What geographic area is being proposed for the SID? The geographic area proposed as the SID generally covers the area from Somerset Street to the west to Joyce Kilmer Avenue and Drift Street to the east. It includes French Street and Somerset Street from Prospect Street until the two streets meet; Jersey Avenue from Handy Street to Sandford Street; and Joyce Kilmer Avenue from New Street to Baldwin Street.

3. How will the SID be run? Each SID is run by a “district management entity.” This is typically a distinct nonprofit organization created exclusively for the purpose of managing the SID. The nonprofit organization is governed by a board of directors with representation from the district, particularly property and business owners. We are proposing a 15-member board, with five district property owners, five business owners, and five community representatives including residents and representatives from community organizations or City government. We anticipate that the SID will also hire dedicated staff to carry out the day-to-day operations. In addition to the board of directors, the SID will likely have several sub-committees through which business and property owners can participate and contribute to the advancement of the district. Committees may include public safety, marketing, and events, according to the priorities established by the SID district members.

4. How will the SID be funded? SIDs are primarily funded by a special assessment that is levied on specific properties within the district through the municipal tax collection. We are proposing a modest assessment on only commercial, industrial properties, and larger (5 or more units) apartment properties, as well as on vacant land. The amount of the special assessment is typically a fixed percentage based on the value of the property. Our proposed assessment is 0.275% of property value for all non-vacant properties and 0.550% for vacant lots. We have intentionally worked to keep the assessment cost low – the median commercial property will pay $129 per month – so that the benefits of the SID will clearly outweigh the cost to the owners. The district organization may also raise additional revenue through grants, voluntary contributions, and sponsorships. 
5. If approved, what is the timeline for the SID becoming operational? If our recommendations are accepted, the New Brunswick City Council will likely pass an ordinance establishing the SID in early 2026 with the hope of the SID beginning its activities in summer 2026.