New York City Council
Committee on Rules, Privileges and Elections
Oct 09, 2024
·
01:00 PM
1 hr 18 min
Summary
A hearing on the following nominations:
- Raj Ramphershad's reappointment to the City Planning Commission (CPC)
- Dr. Mohammed Khalid's reappointment to the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB).
Discussions focused on affordable housing, community input in development projects, environmental reviews, police oversight, and agency independence.
The CPC nominee, Raj Rampershad, discussed his approach to evaluating development projects and concerns about the City of Yes housing proposal.
The CCRB nominee, Dr. Mohammad Khalid, emphasized improving community-police relations and internal communication within city agencies.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Powers opens the meeting and introduces committee members
Council Member Keith Powers opens the meeting of the Committee on Rules, Privileges, and Elections. He introduces himself as the chair and acknowledges the presence of other council members and …
0:00:30
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38 sec
Overview of the meeting agenda: Two nominations for appointment
Council Member Powers outlines the agenda for the meeting, which includes public hearings on two nominations for appointment. - Reappointment of Raj Rampershad to the City Planning Commission - Appointment …
0:01:11
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19 sec
Introduction to the City Planning Commission nomination
Council Member Powers introduces the nomination for the City Planning Commission, explaining the context of the reappointment request. - Queensboro President Donovan Richards requested the council's advice and consent on …
0:01:32
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32 sec
City Planning Commission: General responsibilities and review powers
Council Member Powers outlines the general responsibilities and review powers of the City Planning Commission (CPC). - CPC is responsible for planning related to the city's orderly growth, improvement, and …
0:02:04
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69 sec
City Planning Commission: Specific responsibilities and rule-making powers
Council Member Powers details the specific responsibilities and rule-making powers of the City Planning Commission (CPC). - CPC assists in developing the 10-year capital strategy and 4-year capital program - …
0:03:14
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75 sec
City Planning Commission: Membership qualifications and structure
Council Member Powers explains the membership qualifications and structure of the City Planning Commission (CPC). - CPC consists of 13 members, including the chair and appointments by the mayor, public …
0:04:30
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54 sec
Introduction of Raj Rampershad's nomination to the City Planning Commission
Council Member Powers introduces the nomination of Raj Rampershad to the City Planning Commission. - The Queens Borough President requests the council's advice and consent for Rampershad's reappointment - Rampershad …
0:05:27
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13 sec
Raj Rampershad's testimony for reappointment to City Planning Commission
Raj Rampershad, nominated for reappointment to the City Planning Commission, presented his background and qualifications to the NYC Council Committee on Rules, Privileges, and Elections. He emphasized his immigrant background, …
0:06:26
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158 sec
Incorporating community input in City Planning Commission processes
Council Member Keith Powers inquires about methods to incorporate community input into City Planning Commission (CPC) processes. Commissioner Raj Rampershad emphasizes the importance of community engagement and suggests improvements. - …
0:09:10
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119 sec
Commissioner's perspective on mayor's City of Yes housing proposal
Council Member Keith Powers asks Commissioner Raj Rampershad for his thoughts on the mayor's housing proposal that recently passed through the City Planning Commission. Rampershad confirms his support but indicates …
0:11:10
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52 sec
Concerns about Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in the City of Yes proposal
Commissioner Raj Rampershad expresses significant concerns about the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) provisions in the mayor's City of Yes housing proposal. He outlines several practical and regulatory challenges associated with …
0:12:03
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107 sec
Transit-oriented development and mapping concerns in the City of Yes proposal
Commissioner Raj Rampershad discusses issues related to transit-oriented development in the City of Yes proposal, focusing on the need for better mapping and concerns about service frequency in designated transit …
0:13:51
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60 sec
Clarification on ADU regulations and building code concerns
Council Member Keith Powers seeks clarification on Commissioner Raj Rampershad's stance on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Rampershad elaborates on his concerns, focusing on the need for clear building codes and …
0:14:51
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47 sec
Concerns about coordination between city agencies for ADU implementation
Council Member Keith Powers inquires about the relationship between zoning proposals and subsequent regulations from agencies like the Department of Buildings (DOB) and Fire Department (FDNY). Commissioner Raj Rampershad expresses …
0:15:38
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73 sec
Council Member Powers questions Commissioner Rampershad on City of Yes support
Council Member Keith Powers questions Commissioner Raj Rampershad about his support for City of Yes. Rampershad explains his reasons for voting in favor, emphasizing the need for more affordable housing …
0:16:51
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73 sec
Council Member Brooks-Powers commends Rampershad's attendance record
Council Member Brooks-Powers commends Raj Rampershad for his excellent attendance record on the City Planning Commission, highlighting his commitment to the role. Rampershad responds by emphasizing his efforts to prioritize …
0:18:05
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19 sec
Discussion of Rampershad's voting record and rationale on specific projects
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about instances where Rampershad voted differently from the commission majority. Rampershad explains his voting rationale on several projects, including Borough-based jails, Two Bridges, and Queens Innovation. …
0:18:24
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163 sec
Inquiry about developments in Rockaway and comprehensive community development
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about developments in the Rockaway community and the need for comprehensive community development beyond just housing. Rampershad acknowledges the importance of follow-up on approved projects and …
0:21:07
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3 min
Concerns about the 'City of Yes' proposal and its impact on Southeast Queens
Council Member Brooks-Powers expresses concerns about the 'City of Yes' proposal and its potential impact on Southeast Queens, particularly regarding flooding and infrastructure issues. Rampershad acknowledges the limitations of current …
0:24:36
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179 sec
Discussion on CPC's responsibility to advance homeownership opportunities
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about CPC's responsibility in advancing the development of new homeownership opportunities. Rampershad acknowledges the importance of homeownership and discusses the challenges in the current system for …
0:27:36
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86 sec
Council Member Brooks-Powers emphasizes CPC's role in shaping development outcomes
Council Member Brooks-Powers emphasizes CPC's crucial role in shaping the outcome of development applications and addressing community needs. She highlights the importance of aligning development with community wants, including pathways …
0:29:03
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142 sec
Rampershad's response on pushing for additional information in development projects
Rampershad responds to Council Member Brooks-Powers' remarks, explaining his approach to reviewing and questioning development projects. He emphasizes his efforts to push for additional information and improvements in various aspects …
0:31:27
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45 sec
Discussion on broader infrastructure concerns, including healthcare facilities
The conversation concludes with a discussion on broader infrastructure concerns, particularly focusing on healthcare facilities in areas like Rockaway. Both Council Member Brooks-Powers and Rampershad acknowledge the critical need for …
0:32:12
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67 sec
CPC's environmental review process and past performance
Council Member Brannan questions Commissioner Rampershad about the City Planning Commission's (CPC) past failures in environmental reviews for major neighborhood rezonings. Brannan specifically mentions instances where CPC approved rezonings based …
0:33:24
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4 min
Rampershad's voting record on specific projects
Commissioner Rampershad explains his voting decisions on two specific projects: the Queens Innovation project and the 962 Franklin project in Brooklyn. He details his reasons for voting against these projects, …
0:37:36
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129 sec
Environmental impacts in CPC decision-making
Council Member Brannan inquires about the importance of environmental impacts in Commissioner Rampershad's decision-making process. Rampershad confirms that environmental considerations play a significant role in his evaluations of development projects. …
0:39:46
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57 sec
Proposal for new CPC rule on UDAAP applications
Council Member Brannan proposes a potential CPC rule requiring UDAAP applications to include comprehensive project summaries before certification or approval. Commissioner Rampershad responds cautiously to this suggestion. - Brannan suggests …
0:40:43
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68 sec
Importance of infrastructure in development decisions
Council Member Brannan concludes the discussion by emphasizing the importance of considering infrastructure, particularly in outer boroughs, when making development decisions. He appreciates Commissioner Rampershad's candor and thoughtfulness on these …
0:41:51
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28 sec
Council Member Brewer questions Commissioner Rampershad on affordable housing and zoning challenges
Council Member Gale A. Brewer engages in a discussion with Commissioner Raj Rampershad about the challenges of creating affordable housing in dense urban areas, particularly focusing on the differences between …
0:42:23
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126 sec
Council Member Powers introduces the Civilian Complaint Review Board and nominee Dr. Muhammad Khalid
Council Member Keith Powers provides an overview of the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB), its composition, and responsibilities. He then introduces Dr. Muhammad Khalid as the nominee from Staten Island …
0:45:01
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138 sec
Dr. Mohammad Khalid's testimony for appointment to the Civilian Complaint Review Board
Dr. Mohammad Khalid, a dentist and civic leader from Staten Island, presents his background and qualifications for appointment to the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB). He discusses his professional experience, …
0:47:41
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137 sec
Council Member Keith Powers inquires about Dr. Khalid's nomination to CCRB
Council Member Keith Powers congratulates Dr. Mohammad Khalid on his nomination to the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) and asks about his desire to serve again after a break since …
0:50:00
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68 sec
Dr. Khalid outlines his vision for CCRB and suggests improvements
Dr. Mohammad Khalid shares his vision for the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) and suggests improvements based on his observations and previous experience. He emphasizes the need for better community …
0:51:09
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113 sec
Discussion of stop and frisk policy under Bloomberg administration
Council Member Keith Powers and Dr. Mohammad Khalid discuss the controversial stop and frisk policy implemented during the Bloomberg administration. They explore the policy's impact, its constitutionality, and Dr. Khalid's …
0:53:07
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148 sec
CCRB's handling of stop and frisk cases during Dr. Khalid's previous tenure
Council Member Keith Powers inquires about how the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) handled the high volume of stop and frisk cases during Dr. Mohammad Khalid's previous tenure. Dr. Khalid …
0:55:38
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85 sec
Balancing stakeholder interests and effectiveness of the three-person panel model
Council Member Keith Powers questions Dr. Mohammad Khalid about balancing the interests of complainants and police officers in CCRB cases, given the high stakes involved for both parties. They also …
0:57:04
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110 sec
Dr. Khalid explains CCRB's process for investigating and deciding cases
Dr. Mohammad Khalid provides a detailed explanation of the Civilian Complaint Review Board's (CCRB) process for investigating and deciding cases. He describes the panel structure, decision-making process, and the relationship …
0:58:55
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3 min
Discussion on who should have final say on police discipline
Council Member Keith Powers and Dr. Mohammad Khalid discuss the contentious issue of who should have the final say on police discipline: the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) or the …
1:02:37
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94 sec
Addressing leaks of CCRB proceedings to the press
Council Member Keith Powers raises concerns about leaks of Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) proceedings to the press and asks Dr. Mohammad Khalid how to prevent such occurrences. They discuss …
1:04:12
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72 sec
Council Member Brewer questions Dr. Khalid on CCRB operations and police oversight
Council Member Gale A. Brewer questions Dr. Mohammad Khalid about his experience with the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) during the Bloomberg administration and current issues facing the board. Dr. …
1:05:24
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3 min
Council Member Hudson questions Dr. Khalid about Arva Rice's resignation
Council Member Hudson inquires about Dr. Khalid's perspective on Mayor Adams asking Arva Rice to resign from her position as CCRB Chair. Dr. Khalid expresses his limited knowledge of the …
1:08:47
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157 sec
Debate on the role of press in agency matters
Council Member Hudson and Dr. Khalid engage in a discussion about the role of the press in agency matters, with focus on Dr. Khalid's seemingly conflicting statements about using press …
1:11:24
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123 sec
Inquiry about Corporation Counsel's resignation and mayoral authority
Council Member Hudson questions Dr. Khalid about Corporation Counsel Sylvia Hinds-Radix's resignation and discusses the extent of the mayor's authority over city agencies. - Dr. Khalid expresses unfamiliarity with the …
1:13:28
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153 sec
Clarification on Arva Rice's criticism and CCRB matters
Council Member Hudson and Dr. Khalid engage in a discussion to clarify the details of Arva Rice's criticism and its relation to CCRB matters, highlighting some misunderstandings and differing perspectives. …
1:16:04
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98 sec