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Set up design guidelines and development stan- <br />dards to make sure that new developments as well as <br />facade and other improvements are compatible with <br />the planned character of the street. These standards <br />can control not only aesthetics, but also such con- <br />cerns as the types of stores that are acceptable, store <br />operating hours, building scale and materials, build- <br />ing setbacks, and number of parking spaces required. <br />Business improvement districts are quite effective <br />at enhancing both the business and physical environ- <br />ment for retailing and for engaging business owners <br />in the revitalization process. Retailers, however, can- <br />not fund BIDs alone; offices are needed to help pay <br />for BID operations. BIDs or special taxing or assess- <br />ment districts should be set up in the more estab- <br />lished commercial streets where landowners and ten- <br />ants can afford the incremental tax increase. These <br />types of districts should be viewed more as revitaliza- <br />tion tools than redevelopment tools. <br />Tax increment financing is best used in districts <br />where major land holdings need to be rebuilt and <br />where infrastructure is substandard or lacking. <br />"Demolition by neglect" statutes should be added <br />to zoning and Land development codes to deter <br />landowners from letting their properties deteriorate to <br />the point that they have to be torn down. Don't be <br />afraid to use eminent domain powers to take control of properties that are aban- <br />doned or neglected. These properties are a cancer, and cannot be allowed to <br />spread blight throughout the neighborhood. However, before proceeding, have a <br />full understanding of applicable laws in your state, and give the property owner <br />adequate opportunity to correct the problem. <br />So-called friendly eminent domain can be useful with some property owners <br />who may be willing to sell a deteriorated property to rid themselves of a prob- <br />lem. This can be an effective tool to assemble property required for a large-scale <br />redevelopment project. <br />Use targeted requests for proposals or requests for qualifications to solicit <br />interest in redeveloping key properties. <br />New Haven, Connecticut. <br />17 <br />