NYC Ballot 2025: What’s at Stake for Public Review in Land Use Decisions?
New York City is made up of strong communities that have substantial expertise about where they live. In the absence of a long term, city-wide plan, community input generated through the public review process is critical to ensuring that land use projects take community needs into account.
How can a robust process for public input help ensure equitable development while also addressing the affordable housing crisis? When voters turn over their ballot this November, they will have the opportunity to decide how community input shapes future affordable housing and land use decisions through a series of ballot proposals to amend the City Charter.
Proposals 2, 3, and 4 include changes to which types of land use applications may be expedited, how affordable housing projects are reviewed, and how different perspectives are balanced in the land use process.
Pratt Center and invited speakers will unpack how these proposals will impact the ability of community members to have a voice in land use decisions.
We’ll also discuss the ways that public review can strengthen efforts to ensure affordability and ensure that land use decisions meet the needs of neighborhoods most at risk of displacement.
Join us and our panel of experts so you can make an informed decision in November.
Confirmed Panelists:
Alexa Aviles, New York City Council Member, District 38
Karl-Henry Cesar, Chair of Brooklyn Community Board 14
Brianna Soleyn, Treasurer, East NY Community Land Trust
Chris Walters, Senior Land Use Policy Associate, Association for Neighborhood & Housing Development
Moderator: Tara Duvivier, Senior Planner, Pratt Center for Community Development