Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) is a legally binding agreement between developers and community organizations that ensure the development of projects meets the needs of the communities they serve. In New York City (NYC), several communities have benefited from this agreement as developers and community organizations work together to create a win-win solution for everyone.
CBAs outline the specific needs of the community and the benefits that developers will provide to improve the quality of life for the residents. Such benefits can include affordable housing, good jobs, local business opportunities, and even environmental protections. The agreement ensures that the community`s voice is heard and that the project development process is transparent.
Several neighborhoods in NYC have successfully implemented CBAs, and these agreements have proven to be a vital tool for communities that have long been marginalized and under-resourced. The Atlantic Yards project in Brooklyn, for example, is an exemplary case study. The project included the development of a basketball arena, a residential complex, and commercial spaces. In the early stages of development, community organizations and residents pushed for a CBA, and after negotiations, the agreement was finalized.
The Atlantic Yards CBA included a plan for affordable housing units, the creation of a community development fund that provides grants for local businesses, and job-training programs for residents. Moreover, the agreement established a community advisory board that provides feedback to the developer to ensure that the project meets the needs and expectations of the residents.
Another exciting development is the La Central project in the South Bronx. The project is a mixed-use development that includes a community civic center, a school, and two affordable housing buildings. The CBA negotiated for La Central included the creation of a job training and employment program that prioritizes local hiring; a community land trust that allows local residents to own and manage land-use in their neighborhood; and the establishment of a local hiring committee that ensures that job opportunities are accessible to all residents.
CBAs in NYC have been an effective tool for ensuring that community development projects are not imposed on communities but are instead developed collaboratively with community organizations that represent the interest of the residents.
In conclusion, CBAs are essential in ensuring that NYC`s development is equitable and inclusive. The agreements create a space for community organizations and residents to negotiate with developers to establish a win-win solution that benefits everyone. CBAs are a necessary tool for ensuring that development projects are transparent, accountable, and that community needs and expectations are met. As such, CBAs should be encouraged and supported by local government officials and developers as a means of creating a more equitable and inclusive city.