Overview

• The Board of Elections voted 7–1 to certify five charter questions, including three focused on accelerating affordable housing approvals, for the Nov. 4 ballot.
• The proposals would create a three-member appeals panel for projects rejected by the Council, give the City Planning Commission final say in low-production districts with a fast track for city-funded affordable housing, and remove Council review for some modest rezonings.
• City Council leaders, who argued the ballot language misleads voters and weakens Council authority, said they would take action and have not ruled out litigation.
• Government watchdogs and election-law attorneys argued the board lacked authority to block certified questions, framing BOE certification as a ministerial duty.
• Sources reported that Gov. Kathy Hochul’s staff urged commissioners to approve the measures, while Brooklyn commissioner Frank Seddio denied speaking with the governor’s office after voting to approve.