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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.

REMARKS

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

REMARKS

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

REMARKS

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

REMARKS

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

REMARKS

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

REMARKS

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

REMARKS

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

AGENCY TESTIMONY

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

Q&A

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

Q&A

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

REMARKS

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

REMARKS

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

Q&A

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

Q&A

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

Q&A

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

Q&A

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

Q&A

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

Q&A

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

Q&A

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

Q&A

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

REMARKS

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

Q&A

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

Q&A

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

Q&A

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

Q&A

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

Q&A

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

Q&A

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

REMARKS

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

Q&A

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

REMARKS

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

AGENCY TESTIMONY

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

REMARKS

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

REMARKS

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

Q&A

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

Q&A

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

Q&A

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

REMARKS

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

Q&A

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

Q&A

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

Q&A

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

Q&A

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

Q&A

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

Q&A

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

Q&A

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

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