The role of community benefit agreements in New York City's land use process

New York City should establish a clear policy for considering Community Benefit Agreements negotiated in connection with development projects, according to a report released by the New York City Bar Association. The report, a comprehensive and in-depth look at the use of such agreements in New York, urges the City to refuse to consider Community Benefit Agreements in the land use approval process, and, if it wishes to utilize these agreements as consideration for granting subsidies or another valid purpose, it should set the standards for doing so clearly and up front.