Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
TESTIMONY
Testimony by Michael Piccirillo from the NYC District Council of Carpenters against the charter proposals
1:19:39
·
83 sec
Michael Piccirillo, Director of Area Standards for the New York City District Council of Carpenters, testifies against the commission's proposals.
He argues that the land use reforms, while well-intentioned, have loopholes that could be exploited by "bad actors" and would sideline unions by cutting council members out of the approval process.
He also opposes the election reforms, stating that even-year elections will nationalize local races and open primaries will favor wealthy candidates.
- Piccirillo believes the proposed land use reforms will not create affordable housing but will incentivize bad actors and sideline unions.
- He opposes the land use appeals board, stating it undermines the city council.
- He argues against even-year elections, claiming they will cause local issues to be marginalized.
- He believes open primaries favor well-funded candidates and narrow democracy.
Michael Piccirillo
1:19:39
Members of commission, my name is Michael Picarillo.
1:19:42
I'm the director of area standards for the New York City district council of carpenters.
1:19:46
My focus is on creating more work hours for our members and protecting the rights of nonunion workers.
1:19:52
While we generally support reforms that make building in New York City easier, we stand against this proposal.
1:19:58
Proposal one and two, despite noble intentions, have potential for abuse.
1:20:03
We fight bad actors daily and recognize loopholes.
1:20:07
The report claims these will help affordable housing, but the fine print shows they apply to MIH projects, the majority of residential projects without worker protections.
1:20:17
These proposals cut council members out of the process, favoring city hall and wealthy developers sidelining unions.
1:20:25
This won't create affordable housing, but will incentivize bad actors.
1:20:29
Proposal three introduces unnecessary formal checks on the city council undermining council members.
1:20:35
Speaker Adams has pushed for more housing, and this proposal undermines her efforts.
1:20:40
We strongly oppose both election reforms.
1:20:44
Shifting elections to even number years will nationalize local races and marginalizing local issues.
1:20:51
Open primaries favor well funded candidates, narrowing democracy.
1:20:55
These proposals take power from everyday New Yorkers.
1:20:58
I urge the commission to stand with our union against them.
1:21:02
Thank you.