Image Credit: 2019 City Charter Revision Commission.

Starting this week, public hearings are being held throughout the five boroughs to solicit feedback on the report’s recommendations. In April of 2018, the NYC Council created a Charter Revision Commission. The 15-member commission, which was granted a wide mandate to review the City Charter from top to bottom, is considering possible amendments to be placed on the November 5, 2019 ballot in New York City. The Commission’s focus has been on four areas of City government: elections, governance, finance, and land use. The Commission is Chaired by Gail Benjamin, who served for 25 years as Director of the New York City Council’s Land Use Division. Also among the commissioners is Carl Weisbrod, former Director of the Department of City Planning. (read more…)

The NYC Charter Revision Commission at a public meeting on September 4, 2018. Image credit: NYC Charter Revision Commission/Twitter

Proposed Civic Engagement Commission would connect community boards with land use experts and training based on community board needs.  In February 2018, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a Charter Revision Commission. The Commission began holding public meetings in April. On September 4, 2018, the New York City Charter Revision Commission released its final report on its recommended charter amendments. The final report discussed several topics, including land use and community boards.  (read more…)

Council Member Ben Kallos

Last week, the City Council passed a resolution in support of allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to serve on their local community boards. The resolution throws City support behind Albany legislation that would amend the City Charter and Public Officers Law to let the teens become full voting members of their boards.

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