Overview
- The commission voted July 21 to place four land-use amendments and one election-timing measure on November’s ballot.
- The land-use proposals would shorten review timelines for affordable housing, curb councilmembers’ “member deference” power and establish a three-person affordable housing appeals board.
- The election-timing measure asks voters to move municipal contests to even-numbered years to boost turnout and reduce costs.
- Any change to even-year elections must clear the New York State Legislature and win approval in a statewide constitutional referendum.
- Despite hundreds of testimonies favoring open primaries, the commission opted not to include a measure allowing independent voters to participate in local primaries.