Increasing City Revenue without Burdening City Tax Payers

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Proposal for a Dedicated Commercial Property Platform in Millville

As we look toward revitalizing Millville and attracting new businesses, it's essential to create an environment that showcases our city in the best possible light. One of the most effective ways to do this is by developing a dedicated commercial property platform that highlights available properties and the unique advantages of doing business in Millville.

Why a Dedicated Platform?
A city-managed commercial property website allows us to take control of our narrative. Instead of relying on generic third-party listings, we can craft a platform that not only lists properties but also highlights the benefits of our location, local incentives, success stories from businesses that have thrived here, and upcoming development projects. This approach creates a cohesive and attractive image for potential investors.

Advantages of a Dedicated Platform

• Tailored Marketing: We can emphasize what makes Millville special—our community, location, and business-friendly policies—directly to      prospective investors.
• Centralized  Information: Businesses can find all the information they need in one place, from property details and zoning regulations to local economic incentives and contact information for city officials.
• Proactive Outreach: A city-run platform allows us to engage with potential investors proactively, offering personalized assistance and fostering stronger relationships.

Examples of Success
Cities like Jersey City, Vineland, and others across New Jersey have successfully used dedicated platforms to spur economic growth. These platforms have not only attracted new businesses but have also helped retain existing businesses by providing them with accessible resources and ongoing support, ensuring they feel valued and connected to the community. This fosters a stable and growing local economy, which benefits everyone in Millville.

By investing in such a platform, Millville can send a strong message that we are serious about economic development, committed to transparency, and eager to welcome new opportunities that create jobs and enhance quality of life for our residents.

Cities often face situations where certain properties or neighborhoods disproportionately consume city resources—whether through frequent emergency responses, elevated crime rates, or ongoing property maintenance issues. To equitably manage these costs and enhance community safety and livability, many municipalities in New Jersey and nationwide implement Special Improvement Districts (SIDs).

A SID is a clearly defined geographic area within a city where property owners are required to pay additional assessments or fees. The funds generated are directly reinvested into that area, providing services such as enhanced security, additional police patrols, public safety measures, neighborhood beautification, and infrastructure improvements. SIDs ensure that properties contributing disproportionately to city service demands cover a fair share of those costs.

In New Jersey, SIDs are legally established under the Special Improvement District Act (N.J.S.A. 40:56-65 to 89). Cities must formally adopt a local ordinance clearly defining the boundaries, purpose, assessment criteria, and the oversight structure (usually through a special SID board). This process involves transparent public hearings and stakeholder input, ensuring fairness and legal compliance.

Revenue generated by a SID depends largely on how assessments are structured. Typically, assessments can range from modest fees for smaller properties to significantly higher fees for larger or more problematic properties. Fees might be based on property size, assessed value, number of police/emergency calls, or specific infrastructure needs.

For example, annual assessments might range from:

• Smaller properties: $100 - $500 annually
   
• Larger commercial or problematic residential properties: $1,000 - $10,000+ annually
   

The key principle is proportionality—properties requiring extensive city services should pay a proportionally higher fee.

To ensure legality and fairness, New Jersey law requires SIDs to:

• Clearly demonstrate that the assessments are directly related to services benefiting the properties.
   
• Provide due process with notification, public hearings, and opportunities for property owners to offer feedback.
   
• Keep fees transparent, accountable, and proportionate to actual city resources used.
   

• Newark, NJ: The Newark Downtown District SID provides enhanced security, sanitation, and beautification. It has successfully reduced crime and attracted businesses, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.
   
• Paterson, NJ: Paterson’s SID funds security patrols, street cleaning, and community programs. It effectively addresses high-demand areas and significantly reduces crime.
   
• Jersey City, NJ: Downtown Jersey City established a SID focused on public safety, sanitation, and economic development, dramatically revitalizing the area and boosting local business investment.
   

• Fairness: Properties disproportionately using services contribute proportionally, alleviating tax burdens on other taxpayers.
   
• Revenue Generation: Provides a dedicated revenue stream for targeted public safety and neighborhood improvement measures.
   
• Crime Reduction: Targeted security and policing reduce crime, increase safety, and improve quality of life.
   
• Economic Growth: Improved safety and aesthetics attract new businesses, investment, and residents.
   

Establishing a Special Improvement District in Millville can equitably distribute costs, significantly enhance public safety, and stimulate economic revitalization. The next steps involve drafting an ordinance, engaging community stakeholders, and clearly defining assessment criteria based on actual city service demands.

1. Increased Fine Revenue

• Properties in violation (overgrown lots, structural issues, broken windows, illegal dumping, etc.) bring in revenue through citations and fines.
   
• Chronic violators—like absentee landlords—rack up repeat fines, which can significantly bolster municipal coffers.
   

2. Cost Recovery for City Services

• Aggressive enforcement allows cities to bill negligent landlords for code enforcement, trash removal, and emergency board-ups.
   
• Some cities implement “nuisance abatement liens” or special assessments, meaning the city can recoup costs via property taxes or foreclosure.
   

3. Boost in Property Tax Revenue (Long-Term)

• Cleaning up and enforcing codes often leads to increased property values.
   
• Higher values = higher tax assessments = long-term revenue growth.
   

4. Incentivizing Compliance and Investment

• Once landlords realize the city isn’t playing, they either shape up or sell.
   
• This opens doors for responsible investors to revitalize properties and generate higher tax income over time.
   

1. Targeting Crime Hubs

• High-crime properties often coincide with code violations—broken lighting, unsecured doors/windows, blight, etc.
   
• Cracking down on these violations makes it physically harder for criminal activity to hide and thrive.
   

2. Disrupting Drug Houses and Gang Activity

• Properties used for illegal activity often violate zoning, housing, and building codes.
   
• Code enforcement can be a fast-track alternative to lengthy criminal investigations—shut 'em down on the building violation instead.
   

3. Empowering Police Partnerships

• Police and code enforcement teaming up? Mmm, baby, it’s like peanut butter and jelly.
   
• Officers can refer problem addresses for inspection, and code enforcement can follow up with actions that lead to eviction or property turnover.
   

4. Holding Slumlords Accountable

• Absentee landlords often let properties decay, leading to unsafe living conditions and a haven for crime.
   
• Aggressive enforcement forces them to fix, sell, or face penalties—clearing the way for safer, better-managed homes.
   

• Camden, NJ: Used aggressive code enforcement to shut down nuisance properties, collect back taxes, and seize control of long-abandoned buildings that were gang hotspots.
   
• Stockton, CA: Implemented a "Crime-Free Rental Housing Program" to hold landlords accountable. Code violations tied to criminal activity led to fines and evictions, reducing calls for service by over 30% in targeted zones.
   
• Detroit, MI: Uses nuisance abatement lawsuits and code enforcement to take back abandoned properties linked to shootings, drugs, and fires.
   

Aggressive code enforcement isn't just a nagging bureaucratic flex—it's a strategic weapon for revenue generation and public safety. When cities go after bad actors—especially absentee landlords sitting on decaying, crime-ridden buildings—they’re not only cleaning up the streets... they’re stacking funds and protecting families.