Ballot Proposals for November Election

 

This November, New Yorkers will vote on six proposed changes to the City Charter that could reshape how the city approves housing, manages land use, and conducts local elections. After careful review, the Village Independent Democrats endorse a YES vote on Proposals 1 and 5, and urge a NO vote on Proposals 2, 3, 4, and 6. Click here for a printable version

YES on PROP 1: Adirondack Olympic Sports Complex Expansion
Allows new ski trails and related facilities on 1,039 acres of state forest-preserve land in Essex County and requires adding 2,500 acres of new protected forest in Adirondack Park.

  • A “Yes” vote authorizes expansion of ski trails and facilities.
  • A “No” vote maintains current protections on forest-preserve land.

Conclusion: Expands recreational use of protected land and adds new acreage elsewhere.

NO on PROP 2: Fast-Track Affordable Housing Approvals
Creates two new processes to speed up affordable-housing projects—one for publicly financed developments, another for the 12 community districts that have produced the least affordable housing.

  • A “Yes” vote lets the City Planning Commission (CPC) or Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA)* approve qualifying projects, bypassing City Council review.
  • A “No” vote keeps the current seven-month ULURP process ending with City Council approval.

Conclusion: Undermines City Council and community review by shifting power from elected officials and the directly impacted community to the mayor and his appointees on the BSA—a five-member board with specific expertise, appointed for six-year terms—removing key checks on development and accountability.

NO on PROP 3:  Expedited Review for Small Projects
Creates a shorter land-use process (ELURP) for modest housing and infrastructure projects (smaller-scale projects such as new buildings under 45 feet tall, density increases of up to 30% in existing residential buildings, and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) like backyard cottages added to current homes.

  • A “Yes” vote cuts the review period roughly in half and gives final approval to the City Planning Commission.
  • A “No” vote keeps the full ULURP review with City Council’s final say.

Conclusion: Reduces transparency and City Council oversight of local land use decisions.

NO on PROP 4: Affordable Housing Appeals Board
Creates a three-member board (Mayor, Borough President, and Council Speaker) that could overturn City Council rejections of affordable-housing projects by a two-to-one vote.

  • A “Yes” vote establishes this board, replacing the mayor’s veto as the final step.
  • A “No” vote keeps the existing process, where the Council has the final decision.

Conclusion: Concentrates too much power in the Mayorʼs office and diminishes City Council authority.

YES on PROP 5: Centralized Digital City Map
Consolidates five borough map offices into a single digital system maintained by the Department of City Planning.

  • A “Yes” vote creates one digital map under DCP.
  • A “No” vote keeps five separate borough systems.

Conclusion: A modernization measure with minimal policy impact.

NO on PROP 6: Move City Elections to Presidential Years
This proposal would move election dates for city offices to the same year as federal presidential elections.

  • A “Yes” vote moves local elections to presidential years, which could increase turnout but extend current terms by one year.
  • A “No” vote keeps city elections in odd-numbered years.

Conclusion: Risks local issues being overshadowed by national politics.

 

Additional Resources: 

  • For full ballot language and official summaries, check out the nonpartisan NYC Votes voter guide here.
  • For an expanded explanation of VID's position and additional resources, please click here. 
  • To print out the VID flyer endorsed proposals, click here.

Please see below for more background resources for proposals 2, 3 & 4