By Suzanne Chronowitz

This November, NYC voters will be presented with six ballot questions. The first one is a statewide proposal, proposition #1, please refer to our article “Vote NO on Prop 1” for more information. We are encouraging everyone to vote no on Prop #1.

The other five ballot questions #2 through #6 are proposals to amend our NYC charter. Below is a summary of the questions. Voters will be asked to vote yes or no on the following:

Prop #2 Clean Streets- this proposal would enable the Department of Sanitation at the Mayor’s direction to clean any city owned property. This would clarify DSNY authority to require garbage to be put out in specific mandated containers, instead of plastic bags. This proposal will also give DSNY authority over street vendors.

Prop #3 Fiscal responsibility- this proposal would require a fiscal impact statement prior to a public hearing and city council vote on proposed local laws. The fiscal impact statement would contain two estimates, one from the city council and one from the Office of management and budget. Budget deadlines would be extended.

Prop #4 Public safety- This proposal would add additional procedural requirements for the City Council consideration of proposed local laws regarding public safety operations of the police department, department of correction, and fire department. It would require additional notice to the public, mayor, commissioner of related agency at least 30 days before a city council vote. The additional time could be used for public hearings.

Prop #5 Capital planning- This proposal would require the city to publish more detailed information on the state of repair for city facilities. The Department of city planning/Office of management and budget would consider facility conditions and maintenance needs, along with other factors when developing a 10 year capital strategy. The date of the 10 year capital strategy would be extended to align with the date for the city’s preliminary budget.

Prop #6 Minority and Women owned Business Enterprises and Modernization- This proposal would establish a Chief Business Division Officer of city operations that would serve as a contact for Minority and Women owned Business Enterprises. The CBDO would evaluate the city’s policies, address disparities in policies, and propose changes. The proposal would give the mayor power to give the office that processes film permits the power to issue those permits. The Mayor’s office of Media and Entertainment would combine two boards to ensure the effective function of the municipal archives.

The NYC Citizens Union and Common Cause New York have issued a statement saying that the proposal process was rushed and there is a need to provide greater input from the public. They recommended delaying putting these questions on the ballot. The City Charter Commission has only operated for two months during this summer and the primary election season, making it harder to get the public’s attention for feedback. Most City Charter Commissions operate between four and twelve months before recommending proposals to voters. During the Commission’s public hearings, many organizations testified that the rushed process and inaccessible opportunities for public feedback were insufficient for everyday New Yorkers.

The city council has been receiving complaints about the mandated containers for garbage related to the Clean Streets proposal. Some residential and commercial buildings will need to purchase many containers. Even if residents already have garbage bins, they will need to purchase the official city bins by June 2026. This seems like an unnecessary expense for residents. Why couldn’t the purchase be optional for residents who already have garbage bins, with an incentive at a discounted rate to make it more affordable?

The Common Sense Caucus members of the City Council tried to suggest another ballot question, to allow NYC voters to decide on sanctuary city status. However, that proposal will not be put to voters this November. Despite receiving thousands of testimonies and requests for such a proposal, the Charter Review Commission Report stated that “In view of the repeated executive and legislative actions in this area, judicial construction of relevant state law, and the ongoing and fluid challenges posed by the  influx of new arrivals to the City, the Commission does not believe a ballot question concerning this important area is appropriate at this time.” It is a shame that voter’s voices will not be heard in November on this important issue which affects all New Yorkers. Instead, we are presented with the five ballot proposals above, an expansion of bureaucracy and city government. We recommend voting no on all proposals.