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.