Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
REMARKS
Commissioner Kathryn Wylde on balancing housing costs with community input
0:31:01
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3 min
Commissioner Kathryn Wylde emphasizes that the commission represents diverse sectors of the city and was sensitive to the community's role in the land use process.
She argues that the proposed charter changes address the high cost of housing development by targeting time and risk, without disenfranchising anyone.
Wylde also expresses deep disappointment that the issue of open primaries was not taken up, noting that 80% of large cities in the U.S. have them.
Kathryn Wylde
0:31:01
Thank you.
0:31:01
And and, I would add to what everyone has said about the work of this commission.
0:31:07
I think it's important to point out as we close out our work that this commission really does represent people who are knowledgeable and deeply involved with all sectors of New York City and its communities, And that we have very much used our sensibilities with regard to the importance of the community role in the land use process as we have deliberated over changes in the charter which are are certainly threatening to some interests or seem threatening.
0:31:44
They are not, in fact.
0:31:46
I think that those of us who have been involved in the affordable housing movement for myself over fifty years, that we understand that time and risk are the biggest contributors to the high cost of housing development in the city.
0:32:04
And those factors are what we try to squarely address.
0:32:10
Not to disenfranchise anybody, but rather to say, have to figure out how to make it faster and cheaper to deliver on the promise of more affordable housing.
0:32:22
That is what the recommendations that we have made squarely focus on.
0:32:27
And I think that that demonstrates that we have demonstrated there is a way to do this while not disenfranchising anybody from their role in the process.
0:32:38
So, as we work to educate the public about the importance of these provisions that will be on the ballot in November, I think that all of us, will stay engaged and stand up to, answer any questions, any concerns, and to demonstrate that we really have, through the testimony that we've received and through our research and consultation, we really have considered all those elements.
0:33:08
And we have really designed recommendations that we think that will only advance the interests of the communities of this city.
0:33:19
Finally, I will say that I am deeply disappointed we have not taken up the issue of open primaries.
0:33:26
I understand that there are questions about exactly, you know, is it the California, the Alaska, or the Massachusetts system?
0:33:34
I think what it's has become clear to all of us, which we didn't know in the past, is 80% of the large cities in America have open primaries, and it has done nothing but increase participation and understanding of, our role in a democratic society.
0:33:52
I don't think that's ever been more important than it is today in our current situation in this country.
0:33:58
And, and so I'm I am disappointed, but hopeful.
0:34:03
I I second Diane's recommendation that, this quickly be taken up by a new charter revision commission, and I'm sure all of us will contribute our support to that effort.
0:34:17
So thank you, again to the commission members, the leadership, Richard and Sharon, and, to the staff that Alec has led so well.