Adams-Appointed Charter Commission Carries on, Aiming at Development Overhaul
For the first time in decades, an effort is underway to reconsider the city’s approach to real estate development in a bid to help alleviate the housing crisis. Mayor Eric Adams in December convened a Charter Revision Commission to consider changing the city’s governing document to refine and possibly ease the processes surrounding land use.
The commission will move ahead toward producing proposals for voters to consider on Election Day, even with Adams’ political future uncertain and four deputy mayors set to resign, including Maria Torres-Springer, who leads the administration’s planning and housing initiatives.
"It’s an independent commission, and so the mayor’s role was appointing the members of the commission, and now the commission exists," said Alec Schierenbeck, executive director of the Charter Revision Commission. "Housing costs are severe, and the commission is looking at ways to address the core affordability challenge facing New Yorkers. The stakes are really high. What kind of city will it be? Who is it going to be for?"
The 13-member body, which is chaired by civic veteran Richard Buery, could come up with proposals to speed up the lengthy review process or cut red tape. The average land use review process in New York takes over two years and can increase construction costs up to $82,000 per apartment, according to the Citizens Budget Commission.
Public hearings on the subject began this month.
Koch’s Warning
Already, the Commission is starting to contend with balancing citywide interest with local priorities, as well as how the land use process accounts for community engagement and political dynamics. Those same questions came up decades ago.
The latest Charter Revision Commission in many ways picks up where another Charter Revision Commission left off in 1989. The 1989 commission resulted in the current land use process and gave an expanded City Council enhanced powers, including the final vote on land use matters.
Due Process
So far, proposals floated to the Commission from pro-housing groups like Open New York, Citizens Housing and Planning Council, and the Citizens Budget Commission have argued that the Council’s power – especially member deference – must be curtailed. Other ideas include exempting certain kinds of projects from the land use process, such as affordable apartments built on city-owned land, to ensure better coordination among agencies.
Conclusion
The Charter Revision Commission’s work aims to address the existential issues facing New York City, including the severe housing crisis. As the Commission moves forward, it will be crucial to strike a balance between citywide interests and local priorities, as well as to ensure that community engagement and political dynamics are taken into account. The stakes are high, and the fate of the city hangs in the balance.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the Charter Revision Commission?
A: The Charter Revision Commission is a group appointed by Mayor Eric Adams to consider changing the city’s governing document to refine and possibly ease the processes surrounding land use.
Q: What is the current land use review process like in New York City?
A: The average land use review process in New York takes over two years and can increase construction costs up to $82,000 per apartment, according to the Citizens Budget Commission.
Q: What is member deference, and how does it impact the land use process?
A: Member deference is the practice of Council members following the desires of the local Council member representing the project’s district, often leading to proposed developments being rejected or withdrawn. This practice can lead to land use paralysis and is a major obstacle to increasing affordable housing in New York City.
