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NYC Charter Revision Commission
Manhattan Public Input Session on Housing and Land Use
Apr 24, 2025
·
05:00 PM
3 hr 45 min
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Summary
A hearing on potential charter revisions related to housing and land use, focusing on reforming the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) process.
Discussions centered on:
- Balancing citywide housing needs with local community input
- Streamlining approvals for affordable housing
- Implementing comprehensive planning
- Strengthening fair housing mandates
- Reforming the Civilian Complaint Review Board
Other topics included open primaries to increase voter participation and preserving community input in land use decisions.
Features testimony from City Council members, housing advocates, community board representatives, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Chair Richard R. Buery Jr. opens the Charter Revision Commission hearing on housing and planning
Richard R. Buery Jr., Chair of the 2025 Mayor's Charter Revision Commission, opens the public hearing. He outlines the commission's goal to review the city charter, focusing particularly on housing …
0:00:00
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175 sec
Testimony by Amanda Farias, Majority Leader of the New York City Council, on ULURP and term limits
Majority Leader Amanda Farias testifies on the importance of the City Council's role in the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP). She argues that ULURP empowers communities, particularly marginalized ones, …
0:05:54
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7 min
Council member deference and balancing local versus citywide interests
Commissioner Kathryn Wylde asks Majority Leader Amanda Farias how to handle conflicts between citywide needs, like affordable housing, and local protectionist interests, specifically addressing council member deference. Farias responds that …
0:13:05
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154 sec
Systemic issues beyond ULURP impacting housing development
Chair Richard R. Buery Jr. follows up on council member deference, asking how to address situations where developers avoid certain districts due to anticipated opposition or find the ULURP process …
0:15:41
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3 min
Addressing resistant districts and potential legislative reforms
Commissioner Diane Savino asks Majority Leader Amanda Farias how to overcome resistance to housing development in certain council districts to meet citywide goals, acknowledging member deference is inherent. Savino suggests …
0:18:52
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3 min
The role of community engagement in overcoming development opposition
Commissioner Leila Bozorg acknowledges Majority Leader Amanda Farias's effective use of ULURP for community benefits but asks how to address the imbalance created by other members using deference to block …
0:22:29
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5 min
Testimony by Selvena Brooks-Powers, Majority Whip of the New York City Council, on preserving council's land use role
Council Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers testifies against limiting the City Council's role in the land use process, arguing it would disenfranchise communities, especially working-class communities of color. She highlights the …
0:28:31
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3 min
Addressing HPD financing delays to speed up housing projects
Commissioner Shams DaBaron asks Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers for suggestions on speeding up the housing process, given her assertion that the council review period isn't the primary delay. Brooks-Powers reiterates …
0:32:02
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4 min
Balancing citywide housing needs with local infrastructure and environmental concerns
Commissioner Leila Bozorg asks Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers about the fairness of the current system where some members use deference to block development while others negotiate projects, leading to uneven …
0:36:34
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4 min
Testimony by Alexa Aviles, Council Member from the New York City Council, on protecting council's role in land use
Council Member Alexa Aviles testifies on the importance of the City Council's role in the land use process, particularly for representing working-class, immigrant communities like Sunset Park and Red Hook. …
0:41:26
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5 min
Comprehensive planning and aligning development with public interest
Commissioner Carl Weisbrod asks Council Member Alexa Aviles how to address the issue of developers avoiding certain districts due to anticipated council member opposition, leading to inequitable development patterns. Aviles …
0:46:33
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5 min
Addressing council member opposition beyond comprehensive planning
Commissioner Diane Savino asks Council Member Alexa Aviles how to resolve the conflict with council members who vehemently oppose any development, even if a comprehensive plan existed. Aviles equates the …
0:51:50
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3 min
Testimony by Gale A. Brewer, Council Member from the New York City Council, on various charter reform proposals
Council Member Gale A. Brewer testifies on a range of charter revision topics. She raises concerns about the Franchise and Concession Review Committee (FCRC) favoring the mayor and suggests council …
0:55:49
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5 min
Community board opposition and the need for compromise in development
Commissioner Diane Savino questions Council Member Gale A. Brewer about Community Boards often opposing development and how empowering them further (as Brewer suggested) would resolve conflicts when they vote no. …
1:01:35
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146 sec
The roles of Borough President and Council Member in the ULURP process
Commissioner Carl Weisbrod asks Council Member Gale A. Brewer, based on her experience as both Borough President and Council Member, about the balance of power between the two roles in …
1:04:17
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152 sec
Testimony by Jessica Katz on ULURP, housing rights, and term limits
Jessica Katz, a former housing official, testifies about her experience with the ULURP process, particularly regarding supportive housing. While valuing ULURP for community engagement, she argues it's fundamentally unfair to …
1:07:24
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3 min
Testimony by Howard Slatkin from Citizens Housing and Planning Council on specific land use reform proposals
Howard Slatkin, Executive Director of the Citizens Housing and Planning Council (CHPC), presents specific charter reform proposals for housing and land use. He emphasizes modifying, not removing, the council's role. …
1:11:01
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3 min
Clarifying the proposed BSA role in affordable housing approvals
Commissioners Carl Weisbrod and another unknown commissioner ask Howard Slatkin for clarification on the Citizens Housing and Planning Council's proposal regarding the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA). Slatkin confirms …
1:14:18
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77 sec
The relationship between pre-ULURP delays, member deference, and SEQRA
Commissioner Diane Savino asks Jessica Katz about potential improvements to the process *before* ULURP, citing long delays in pre-certification, HPD financing, and state requirements like SEQRA. Katz argues that the …
1:15:38
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3 min
Charter solutions for homelessness and clarifying the CPC override proposal
Commissioner Shams DaBaron asks Jessica Katz what charter changes could help the housing crisis, and asks Howard Slatkin if his proposal regarding a City Planning Commission (CPC) supermajority override is …
1:18:46
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4 min
ULURP carve-outs, resource constraints, and equity implications
Commissioner Anthony Richardson asks Jessica Katz about potential ULURP carve-outs for affordable housing, considering bottlenecks like funding scarcity. Katz advocates working on both process reforms and resource issues simultaneously. She …
1:23:41
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127 sec
Improving the Fair Share process for facility siting and housing
Commissioner Carl Weisbrod asks Howard Slatkin and Jessica Katz for suggestions on improving the Fair Share process, noting its historical shortcomings, and potentially applying it to encourage housing. Slatkin cautions …
1:25:52
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154 sec
Testimony by Britny McKenzie from the Fair Housing Justice Center on strengthening fair housing mandates
Britny McKenzie from the Fair Housing Justice Center (FHJC) testifies on the need for stronger fair housing mandates in the city charter. FHJC supports the Thriving Communities Coalition's call for …
1:28:54
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4 min
Testimony by Keri Butler from the Municipal Arts Society (MAS) on comprehensive planning and ULURP reforms
Keri Butler, Interim President of the Municipal Arts Society (MAS), testifies in support of the Thriving Communities Coalition's comprehensive planning proposal and offers specific ULURP reform ideas. MAS supports increasing …
1:33:24
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3 min
Relationship between housing scarcity and housing discrimination
Commissioner Anthony Richardson asks Britny McKenzie if housing scarcity drives housing discrimination, based on FHJC's work. McKenzie states that based on their investigations, housing discrimination is prevalent across the city, …
1:37:25
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37 sec
Testimony by Sarah Penenberg from SEIU Local 32BJ on ULURP and labor engagement
Sarah Penenberg testifies on behalf of SEIU Local 32BJ, representing property service workers. The union views ULURP as a vital democratic process for community and labor engagement with developers. While …
1:38:26
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102 sec
Testimony by Annie Levers from the Office of the New York City Comptroller on housing emergency and comprehensive planning proposals
Annie Levers testifies on behalf of NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, focusing on charter revisions for housing. Lander proposes empowering the mayor to declare a temporary housing emergency, triggering a citizens' …
1:40:12
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177 sec
Citizens' assemblies as a tool for building consensus on housing plans
Commissioner Dr. Lisette Nieves asks Annie Levers for examples of successful citizens' assemblies, concerned it might add bureaucracy. Levers explains the goal is to build political consensus citywide, citing Ireland's …
1:43:19
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127 sec
Structure and relationship of the proposed citizens' assembly to community boards
Commissioner Shams DaBaron asks if the proposed citizens' assembly is similar to community boards. Annie Levers clarifies that it would be a temporary body, existing outside of community boards. However, …
1:45:31
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37 sec
Updating frequency for the proposed comprehensive plan
Commissioner Anita Laremont asks Annie Levers how the proposed planning process would account for the city's dynamic nature and require updates. Levers explains the citizens' assembly plan is envisioned as …
1:46:10
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54 sec
Balancing democratic input and emergency action in housing reform
Commissioner Leila Bozorg seeks clarification on the Comptroller's proposal: the council votes on the *plan* developed by the citizens' assembly, and then compliant projects bypass council review. Bozorg then asks …
1:47:07
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133 sec
Scope and complexity management of the proposed comprehensive plan
Chair Richard R. Buery Jr. asks how comprehensive the proposed plan would be, questioning if it includes infrastructure like schools and sanitation. Annie Levers confirms the goal is to integrate …
1:49:22
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113 sec
Testimony by DeRay Mckesson from Campaign Zero on CCRB reform and police accountability
DeRay Mckesson, Executive Director of Campaign Zero, testifies about the need for police accountability through reform of the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB). He argues that the current system, where …
1:51:51
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173 sec
Testimony by Cassandra Ippaso from Campaign Zero on specific CCRB reform proposals
Cassandra Ippaso, Policy Director at Campaign Zero, testifies in support of strengthening the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB). She highlights the CCRB's current inability to enforce decisions due to lack …
1:54:48
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3 min
Comparison of police disciplinary models in other cities
Commissioner Anthony Richardson asks DeRay Mckesson about alternative police disciplinary models in other cities and evidence of their effectiveness in reducing misconduct. Mckesson discusses systems in Wisconsin (Police/Fire Commission), Los …
1:58:18
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113 sec
Proposed changes to CCRB board composition and appointments
Commissioner Dr. Lisette Nieves asks for details about Campaign Zero's proposal to expand the CCRB to 21 members, focusing on appointment structure and representation. Cassandra Ippaso explains the goal is …
2:00:15
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105 sec
The importance of CCRB independence and direct data access
Chair Richard R. Buery Jr. questions why the current CCRB board makeup is problematic if the board is already making robust recommendations, suggesting the issue might solely be the commissioner's …
2:02:02
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128 sec
Addressing privacy concerns regarding direct CCRB data access
Chair Richard R. Buery Jr. raises potential privacy concerns regarding Campaign Zero's proposal for direct CCRB access to NYPD data, such as body camera footage. Cassandra Ippaso responds by citing …
2:04:11
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57 sec
Legal feasibility of transferring final disciplinary authority to CCRB via charter
Chair Richard R. Buery Jr. asks if state law or collective bargaining agreements impact the Police Commissioner's final disciplinary authority, potentially hindering charter reform. DeRay Mckesson and Cassandra Ippaso explain …
2:05:12
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110 sec
Testimony by Abdul Nasser Rad from Campaign Zero on data supporting CCRB reform
Abdul Nasser Rad from Campaign Zero provides data analysis supporting CCRB reform. He states that despite investigations and past reforms like the disciplinary matrix, the rate of NYPD imposing discipline …
2:07:19
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3 min
Testimony by Hassan Naveed on the need for CCRB final authority for consistent accountability
Hassan Naveed, drawing on his experience in the NYPD Inspector General's office and the Mayor's Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, testifies in favor of giving the CCRB final …
2:11:07
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3 min
Examining the fluctuation in Police Commissioner agreement with CCRB recommendations
Commissioner Carl Weisbrod asks about the significant drop in the Police Commissioner upholding CCRB recommendations (from 80% under O'Neill to 30% currently), questioning if factors beyond the commissioner's views are …
2:14:38
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3 min
Potential factors influencing commissioner agreement rates and request for further data analysis
Chair Richard R. Buery Jr. asks if other independent factors, like policy changes or shifts in complaint types, could explain the change in commissioner agreement rates. Abdul Nasser Rad states …
2:17:50
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60 sec
Potential appeal process under CCRB final disciplinary authority
Chair Richard R. Buery Jr. asks about the appeal process if the CCRB were granted final disciplinary authority – would officers have any recourse? Abdul Nasser Rad suggests that existing …
2:18:57
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45 sec
Testimony by Benjamin Kallos, Former New York City Council Member, proposing housing and affordability charter amendments
Former City Council Member Benjamin Kallos presents numerous charter amendment proposals focused on housing supply and affordability. Key proposals include: a vacancy tax, expanding programs to repair rent-regulated units, using …
2:20:15
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3 min
Testimony by Brendan Cheney from the New York Housing Conference on ULURP reform and fair housing distribution
Brendan Cheney from the New York Housing Conference (NYHC) testifies on charter reforms to address the unequal distribution of affordable housing. NYHC recommends easier approvals for affordable housing via BSA …
2:24:17
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3 min
Clarifying the proposed vacancy tax on multifamily housing
Commissioner Valerie White asks former Council Member Benjamin Kallos to clarify his vacancy tax proposal regarding the types of units and buildings targeted. Kallos explains the proposal aims to expand …
2:27:39
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118 sec
Addressing housing production disparities and community-led planning
Commissioner Leila Bozorg asks former Council Member Benjamin Kallos for solutions regarding districts that build little housing, challenging his assertion about his own district's production using New York Housing Conference …
2:29:42
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5 min
Testimony by Moses Gates from the Regional Plan Association on rebalancing local and citywide land use interests
Moses Gates from the Regional Plan Association (RPA) testifies on the need for land use reform to better meet citywide needs, currently housing, but potentially others in the future. He …
2:37:08
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3 min
Testimony by Dena Tasse-Winter from Village Preservation on preserving oversight in development
Dena Tasse-Winter testifies on behalf of Village Preservation, expressing concern about potential deregulation of development and removal of oversight. She argues against dismantling systems that consider environmental impacts and neighborhood …
2:40:15
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128 sec
Testimony by Annemarie Gray from Open New York advocating a fast track for fair housing
Annemarie Gray, Executive Director of Open New York, testifies that member deference in land use decisions hinders housing production and deepens segregation. Open New York's top recommendation is a "Fast …
2:42:54
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3 min
Testimony by Michelle de la Uz from the Fifth Avenue Committee on comprehensive planning and ULURP reforms
Michelle de la Uz, Executive Director of the Fifth Avenue Committee and former City Planning Commissioner, testifies based on her extensive experience in community development and land use. She supports …
2:45:54
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3 min
Explaining the Gowanus community oversight task force model
Commissioner Shams DaBaron asks Michelle de la Uz to explain the community oversight task force she proposed. De la Uz describes the Gowanus Neighborhood Rezoning task force as a volunteer …
2:49:09
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93 sec
The impact of uncertainty in the land use process on housing costs
Commissioner Leila Bozorg asks Michelle de la Uz how the land use process contributes to the rising cost of affordable housing, noting that increased city budgets haven't proportionally increased output. …
2:50:44
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117 sec
Challenges faced by nonprofit developers due to rising housing costs
Commissioner Valerie White asks Michelle de la Uz about the specific impact of rising costs on nonprofit affordable housing developers. De la Uz explains that increased costs necessitate seeking more …
2:52:42
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111 sec
Community-based perspective on member deference and council representation
Commissioner Kathryn Wylde asks Michelle de la Uz, as a community-based organization leader, how she responds to council members' arguments that member deference is necessary to represent community interests. De …
2:54:38
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92 sec
Designing and implementing a fair housing-based fast track for development
Commissioner Leila Bozorg asks Annemarie Gray about the complexities of linking a fast-track housing approval process to fair housing goals, specifically regarding setting and dynamically adjusting thresholds. Gray acknowledges the …
2:56:11
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114 sec
Comparing complexity of proposed reforms: citizens' assembly versus modifying existing processes
Chair Richard R. Buery Jr. asks Annemarie Gray if her critique of adding complex new processes (like separate appeals boards seen in other states) would also apply to the Comptroller's …
2:58:06
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69 sec
Testimony by Benjy Ross from the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA on transit-oriented development
Benjy Ross testifies on behalf of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA (PCAC), emphasizing the link between transit and housing. PCAC recommends expanding zoning for accessibility incentives around …
2:59:51
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3 min
Testimony by Karl-Henry Cesar, Chair of Brooklyn Community Board 14, opposing merger of CB/BP ULURP review
Karl-Henry Cesar, Chair of Brooklyn Community Board 14, testifies against proposals to merge the Community Board (CB) and Borough President (BP) review stages of ULURP under the BP. He argues …
3:03:11
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137 sec
Addressing community board resistance to housing development
Commissioner Dr. Lisette Nieves asks Karl-Henry Cesar, as a Community Board (CB) chair, for solutions regarding CBs that resist producing their fair share of housing. Cesar suggests initiating dialogue to …
3:05:39
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133 sec
Testimony by Gabriel Turzo from Manhattan Community Board 6 on the value of ULURP for community input
Gabriel Turzo, Second Vice Chair of Manhattan Community Board 6, testifies about his board's active advocacy *for* affordable housing and successful collaborations through ULURP, citing the SPARK Kips Bay project. …
3:08:31
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131 sec
Testimony by Simeon Bankoff from the Campaign for a Livable City on preserving affordable housing stock
Simeon Bankoff testifies on behalf of the Campaign for a Livable City, advocating for preserving existing affordable housing alongside encouraging thoughtful new development. He highlights the loss of rent-stabilized units …
3:10:47
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3 min
Testimony by Roberta Gratz from the Campaign for a Livable City on the loss of affordable units to new development
Roberta Gratz, representing the Campaign for a Livable City, testifies against the narrative that simply building more housing will solve the affordability crisis. She provides examples of existing affordable housing …
3:14:37
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3 min
Testimony by Kimberly Cruz on interconnected community needs and reforming local government
Kimberly Cruz delivers a passionate testimony emphasizing the interconnectedness of community issues ("Ubuntu") and criticizing current systems. She argues affordability means fixing existing poor housing conditions and calls for a …
3:17:44
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3 min
Testimony by Tara Duvivier from the Pratt Center for Community Development advocating for comprehensive planning and participation
Tara Duvivier from the Pratt Center for Community Development testifies in favor of prioritizing democracy, participatory planning, and equity in charter revisions. Pratt Center urges mandating an enforceable, equity-based comprehensive …
3:21:19
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3 min
Testimony by Christie Peale from the Center for New York City Neighborhoods on comprehensive planning and affordable homeownership
Christie Peale, CEO of the Center for New York City Neighborhoods, testifies in support of affordable homeownership and community stability. She endorses comprehensive planning for proactive infrastructure investment, especially in …
3:25:28
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3 min
Testimony by Lo Van der Valk from Carnegie Hill Neighbors expressing concern over potential loss of community input
Lo Van der Valk testifies on behalf of Carnegie Hill Neighbors, expressing concern about potential charter changes that centralize land use decision-making and streamline processes at the expense of community …
3:30:02
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91 sec
Testimony by Ken supporting fast-tracking housing and reforming landmarks review
Ken, a member of the public, testifies in strong support of streamlining the housing approval process to fast-track development in all neighborhoods. He suggests using a 'Builder's Remedy' approach to …
3:31:53
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102 sec
Testimony by Maria Danzillo from One City Rising advocating for open primaries
Maria Danzillo, Executive Director of One City Rising, testifies advocating for electoral reform, specifically implementing open primaries. She argues that New York City's closed primaries disenfranchise a million independent voters, …
3:33:48
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3 min
Testimony by Frampton Tolbert from the Historic Districts Council on preservation, housing, and public participation
Frampton Tolbert, Executive Director of the Historic Districts Council (HDC), testifies in support of new housing, emphasizing preservation tools like adaptive reuse and contextual development. While acknowledging potential ULURP process …
3:37:54
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111 sec
Testimony by Melanie Wesslock from One City Rising supporting open primaries for inclusivity and better representation
Melanie Wesslock, a member of One City Rising, testifies in support of putting open primaries on the ballot. She argues open primaries are crucial for inclusivity in a diverse city …
3:39:57
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150 sec
Testimony by Michael Lewyn, Law Professor at Touro Law School, supporting housing streamlining and addressing counterarguments
Michael Lewyn, a law professor, testifies in support of fast-tracking housing, especially affordable housing in low-growth areas. He counters arguments against streamlining by questioning the premise that demolition is the …
3:42:40
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166 sec