You're totally right-- at the time I wrote my original testimony, I honestly didn’t know much about Proposal 4, so I glossed over it. I’ve since done more reading and added an update to my testimony to the Charter Revision Commission-- see below!
Right now is your chance to shape what those proposals look like before they hit the ballot. Share your perspective in person or virtually TODAY:
"A unified City Map is a step in the right direction, since the current system can impose significant costs and time on infrastructure, housing, and other projects. Proposal 4’s Digital City Map would allow processes that today take months or even years to occur nearly instantly."
Great post! Here's the email I sent, based on Sachi's template:
Dear Charter Revision Commission,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed 2025 Charter Revisions.
As a member of Manhattan Community Board 3, I want to voice support for all proposed City Charter Amendments and the idea of open primaries. These would make New York City more affordable and democratically representative. The city’s housing shortage demands bold action.
In particular, Member Deference continues to hinder rezonings and housing developments, so I support any effort to mitigate the effects of this practice. Also, streamlining the ULURP process is a no-brainer to speed-up development and get rid of red tape.
I also support considering Open New York’s recommendations for a fairer and more affordable NYC, many of which are already very well-aligned with the commission’s proposals. I encourage the commission to dedicate additional time to exploring Open New York’s proposal to bring the housing shortage into Landmarks decisions.
Finally, I have personal friends in the city who refuse to register with a political party, and I know this is a growing trend. Please consider putting open primaries on the ballot so all New Yorkers can be heard.
I urge the Commission to put all six measures on the November ballot so that voters can weigh in.
Thanks for the shout-out! Hope we can get many people to testify in favor of these important reforms.
Good article but what's with how you recommend voting for proposals 1-6, and then give your reasoning for all except number 4? It's like
1 is great
2 streamlines process
3 makes a better city
4
5 is a no brainer
6 enfranchises millions
You're totally right-- at the time I wrote my original testimony, I honestly didn’t know much about Proposal 4, so I glossed over it. I’ve since done more reading and added an update to my testimony to the Charter Revision Commission-- see below!
Right now is your chance to shape what those proposals look like before they hit the ballot. Share your perspective in person or virtually TODAY:
https://www.nyc.gov/site/charter/meetings/2025-manhattan-public-input-session-0707.page
Share written testimony:
https://www.nyc.gov/site/charter/contact/contact-charter.page
"A unified City Map is a step in the right direction, since the current system can impose significant costs and time on infrastructure, housing, and other projects. Proposal 4’s Digital City Map would allow processes that today take months or even years to occur nearly instantly."
Great post! Here's the email I sent, based on Sachi's template:
Dear Charter Revision Commission,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed 2025 Charter Revisions.
As a member of Manhattan Community Board 3, I want to voice support for all proposed City Charter Amendments and the idea of open primaries. These would make New York City more affordable and democratically representative. The city’s housing shortage demands bold action.
In particular, Member Deference continues to hinder rezonings and housing developments, so I support any effort to mitigate the effects of this practice. Also, streamlining the ULURP process is a no-brainer to speed-up development and get rid of red tape.
I also support considering Open New York’s recommendations for a fairer and more affordable NYC, many of which are already very well-aligned with the commission’s proposals. I encourage the commission to dedicate additional time to exploring Open New York’s proposal to bring the housing shortage into Landmarks decisions.
Finally, I have personal friends in the city who refuse to register with a political party, and I know this is a growing trend. Please consider putting open primaries on the ballot so all New Yorkers can be heard.
I urge the Commission to put all six measures on the November ballot so that voters can weigh in.
Thank you,
Zachary Thomas
Williamsburg, 11249