New York Voters to Decide on Housing Charter Amendments After Seddio’s Setback
New York City voters will have the opportunity to decide on important charter amendments concerning housing after a planned maneuver by Brooklyn Democratic Board of Elections Commissioner Frank Seddio failed to remove three critical questions from the ballot. The initiatives, which aim to facilitate housing production, will now be presented to voters in the upcoming election on November 2023.
Seddio’s Attempt to Sideline Housing Amendments
Seddio had reportedly attempted to sideline the charter amendments at the request of City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. However, following pressure from Governor Kathy Hochul, the Board of Elections (BOE) ultimately certified the ballot, including all proposed amendments. Hochul expressed approval, stating, “I’m glad the Board of Elections listened to the voices of New Yorkers — myself included — who want to see these critical initiatives brought to voters.”
This latest incident is not the first time Seddio has come under scrutiny. His past actions, including a controversial appointment to a surrogate judgeship in 2006, led to his resignation following an investigation by the state Commission on Judicial Conduct. Critics have raised concerns over Seddio’s reliability and fitness for his current role.
Implications of the Charter Amendments
The charter amendments are designed to streamline housing production processes, allowing for speedier approvals. While some local leaders, including Adams, have criticized the proposals, claiming they may diminish voter power, supporters argue that the wording of the ballot initiatives is transparent, offering voters a clear choice on housing policy. The amendments specifically target affordable housing projects, though they do not fully eliminate local vetoes that have previously stalled initiatives like the proposed mall at the Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx.
Only Commissioner Michele Sileo voted against certifying the ballot measures, prompting calls for her removal from the BOE. Opponents of the charter amendments have characterized them as misleading, while proponents emphasize the importance of increased housing production in a city facing a significant housing crisis.
As the election approaches, the focus will shift to voter engagement and education regarding these amendments. The outcome of the ballot will significantly impact the future of housing development in New York City, highlighting the ongoing tension between local governance and broader housing needs.
The November vote represents a critical moment for New Yorkers, who will ultimately decide the direction of housing policy amid a backdrop of political maneuvering and public debate. The decisions made in this election will resonate beyond the immediate proposals, shaping the landscape of urban development for years to come.
