City Council Threatens Legal Action Against Ballot Questions That Could Limit Their Power Over Land Use in NYC
City Council takes a stand against ballot questions that could weaken their control over rezonings and shift final approval away from their authority.
The City Council is not backing down in their fight to protect their power over land use decisions in NYC. The Council is pushing for the removal of three out of five ballot questions that are expected to be presented to voters in November. These questions could potentially limit the Council's authority and undermine their longstanding tradition of member deference.
The Council's concern stems from the fact that these ballot questions would shift final approval of certain projects away from the Council, giving it to other agencies such as the Planning Commission. This would greatly reduce the Council's say in the land use process and undermine their control over rezonings.
"The Council has always prided itself on their longstanding tradition of member deference when it comes to land use decisions, and these ballot questions are a direct attack on that tradition," said Council Speaker Corey Johnson in a statement.
This move by the Council is seen as a direct response to the increasing influence of the Mayor's office in land use decisions. With these ballot questions, the Council is trying to maintain their power and influence in the land use process.
City Council members are known for their strong hold on land use decisions in their respective districts, and it is no secret that they are not willing to give up that control without a fight. The Council has hinted at potential legal action if these ballot questions are not removed.
As the fight over these ballot questions escalates, it remains to be seen how the Board of Elections will respond and if the questions will be removed from the November ballot.