The general election in November 2025 will include five ballot proposals for voter consideration. Proposals 1, 2, and 3 are worded as changes that will simplify the development process. Each of these, however, will effectively limit or remove the role of citizens, community boards, and even the city council in important decisions about our neighborhoods. The Bellcourt Civic Association opposes these three ballot measures.
Here’s why:
What It Says: This proposal would allow the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) to grant zoning relief for publicly financed affordable housing projects and establish a streamlined public review procedure for applications in districts that have permitted the least affordable housing.
What It Means: If this proposal passes, these development applications would bypass the city council and would be handled by the City Planning Commission. They would also bypass the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) and be sent to the city Board of Standards and Appeals for “zoning relief.”
Why We Oppose It: In low-density neighborhoods, we depend on zoning regulation, the input of our community, and the power of our city council member to protect against overdevelopment. Centralizing decision-making takes development out of the hands of our communities. When a central authority wants to “streamline” a process, communities lose their voice. We oppose this measure because communities must have a voice in development – and because the only ones who will get “relief” from “zoning relief” are the developers who don’t want to adhere to the rules.
What It Says: This proposal would create an Expedited Land Use Review Procedure (ELURP), a simplified process for approving increases in density as well as acquisition and disposition of property.
What It Means: In our low-density neighborhoods, proposals to build multifamily buildings, buildings taller than allowed by zoning, or buildings with less green space than allowed by zoning, would go through this “expedited” process instead of the full review process.
Why We Oppose It: We are not automatically opposed to multifamily buildings, taller buildings, or larger buildings. When these proposals go through the full land use review process, citizens can evaluate their impact on our neighborhoods and ensure the best limits and placements for our communities. That’s why we have ULURP. “Expediting” building proposals means less community input, increasing the risk that inappropriately large developments will intrude into our low-density neighborhoods.
What It Says: A new Affordable Housing Appeals Board would have the power to reverse city council decisions if two of three members agree. The three members would be the mayor, the speaker of the city council, and the borough president of the affected borough.
What It Means: The authority to approve or block development now rests with our city council; if this proposal passes, the council becomes effectively powerless in decisions regarding affordable housing.
Why We Oppose It: Our city council consists of 51 democratically elected representatives of the people – all the people. Taking development decisions out of their hands and giving the final say to just two people is anti-democratic.