The New York City Mayoral Charter Revision Commission announced a series of public hearings across four boroughs next month as part of its review of potential changes to the city charter.
According to a public notice published today in the City Record, the commission will hold hearings in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Staten Island and Queens between May 27th and June 23rd. Residents will have an opportunity to provide testimony on proposals under consideration and raise additional concerns related to city governance.
The upcoming hearings are scheduled as follows:
- Bronx — May 27 at 7 p.m. at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue
- Brooklyn — June 2 at 6:30 p.m. at God’s Battalion of Prayer, 661 Linden Boulevard
- Staten Island — June 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Staten Island JCC, 1466 Manor Road
- Queens — June 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Glow Community Center, 133-29 41 Avenue in Flushing
The commission is reviewing the entire New York City Charter, though staff recommendations currently focus on several major issues. These include proposals involving non-partisan elections and open primaries, measures addressing antisemitism and hate crimes, policies concerning protester interference with houses of worship, housing and land use reforms aimed at expanding affordable housing development, and restrictions preventing elected officials from increasing their own salaries during their current terms.
Commission member Kayla Mamelek Altus noted that the hearings are intended to encourage broad public participation from residents across the city.
“The Mayoral Charter Revision Commission is looking forward to hearing directly from New Yorkers at our upcoming public hearings across the five boroughs. This is an open and transparent public process focused on listening to residents about ways we can improve our city together. While the Commission is reviewing the entire City Charter, the initial issues recommended by its staff for consideration include, but are not limited to, non-partisan elections and open primaries; initiatives to address anti-semitism, hate crimes, and protester interference with houses of worship; further housing and land use reforms to spur affordable housing development; and prohibitions on elected officials raising their own salaries during their current term in office. These hearings are also an opportunity for New Yorkers to raise additional ideas and concerns that deserve consideration. New York City works best when the public is engaged, and we encourage residents from every community and every perspective to participate in this important conversation about the future of our city,” Mamelek Altus stated.
Members of the public who wish to speak are encouraged to arrive early to register and will be allowed up to two minutes for testimony. Written comments may also be submitted to the commission through its pro bono counsel at:
Mayoral Charter Revision Commission
c/o Dechert LLP
Three Bryant Park
1095 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
