Don’t let “fast” government come at the expense of public input.
This year’s election ballot includes five proposed changes to the New York City Charter. The City’s Commission on Government Efficiency says it will make government more efficient. But faster isn’t always better—especially when it means less public review of decisions that affect our neighborhoods, public spaces, and landmarks.
We urge you to vote NO on Question 3 and look carefully at the other four proposals.
Make your voice heard.
Early voting runs from October 24 through November 1.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Find your polling place
Why Question 3 Deserves a NO Vote
Question 3 bundles together three separate issues: street safety projects, the sale or transfer of unused City property, and City office leasing. These issues should be considered separately—not bundled into a single vote.
Our greatest concern is part of Question 3, which would remove public review when the City transfers unused development rights at landmarks.
Development rights are a public asset. Decisions about their transfer can affect historic properties and the surrounding communities. The public deserves a chance to weigh in before the City transfers these assets.
Don’t let the promise of efficiency become an excuse to limit public participation.
What the Five Questions Would Do
The City presents all five proposals as ways to streamline government. Here’s a quick look at what they would change.
Question 1 — Using Public Space
Would simplify approvals for uses such as sidewalk cafes, ramps, and planters by removing certain required hearings and City Council disapproval powers.
Question 2 — City Contractors and Procurement
Would simplify paperwork for City contractors, require quarterly meetings of the Procurement Policy Board, and remove a required hearing for a client services report.
Question 3 — Street Safety, City Property, and Office Leasing
Would streamline review of street safety projects, speed up the disposition of unused City property, and expedite City office leasing. We urge you to vote NO because of the proposal’s removal of public review for certain transfers of development rights at landmarks.
Question 4 — Building and Waterfront Permits
Would centralize construction permitting, move waterfront permitting to the Department of Buildings, and expand the officials authorized to approve construction.
Question 5 — City Budget Reserves
Would establish targets for the City’s rainy day reserve fund. The Citizens Budget Commission has raised concerns that the proposed target is too low, that the City could contribute even less, and that withdrawals could be too easy.
For the full text of the proposals, visit the City’s Charter Revision website.
Your Vote Matters
These questions could change how New York makes decisions about its public spaces, buildings, and landmarks. Take time to understand what’s at stake.
Vote NO on Question 3. And be sure to vote.