As New Yorkers head to the polls throughout early voting this week and on the Nov. 4 general election, they will once again be asked to vote on six ballot questions. 

Five of the measures appearing on voters’ ballots were advanced, with public input, by Mayor Eric Adams’ latest Charter Revision Commission. They relate to changing how the city approves housing developments and when local elections take place.

Three of those questions, Proposals 2 through 4, have sparked controversy between the Adams administration and the City Council.

The other question comes from the state government and involves allowing an Olympic sports facility on state park land in upstate Essex County.

Remember to flip your ballots when you vote; the questions will be on the back side. Here’s what you need to know about each of the questions.

Proposal 1: Allow an Olympic Sports Complex on State Forest Preserve Land

Question on Ballot: Allows skiing and related trail facilities on state forest preserve land. The site is 1,039 acres. Requires State to add 2,500 acres of new forest land in Adirondack Park.

Voting Yes: Authorizes new ski trails and related facilities in the Adirondack forest preserve.

Voting No: Does not authorize this use.

While Proposal 1 will not affect New York City, voters in the five boroughs, along with those across the state, are being asked to answer the question because it would amend the state Constitution.

The question focuses on the Mount Van Hoevenberg Winter Sports Complex in the Adirondack Mountains upstate, which was utilized in both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. The facility extends onto 30 acres of protected state park land, in violation of the state constitution.

The amendment would retroactively authorize the complex’s use of protected lands. The change would also allow for its expansion with new ski trails.

The state would have to add 2,500 acres of protected lands to make up for the loss of those given to the facility.

Proposal 2: Fast-Track Affordable Housing

Question on Ballot: Fast-track publicly financed affordable housing. Fast-track applications delivering affordable housing in the community districts that produce the least affordable housing, significantly reducing review time. Maintain Community Board review.

Voting Yes: Fast-tracks applications at the Board of Standards and Appeals or City Planning Commission.

Voting No: Leaves affordable housing subject to longer review and final decision at City Council.

Proposal 2, the first of three contentious housing-related proposals advanced by the mayor’s charter commission, seeks to quicken housing project timelines in two ways.

First, it would shorten the approval process for mixed-use developments in the 12 council districts that have produced the least housing over the past five years and shift final approval for those projects from the council to the City Planning Commission (CPC) — where the mayor appoints the majority of the members.

Second, it would empower a mayor-appointed Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA), rather than the council, to have direct approval power over affordable housing projects financed by the city, which would also be done with an expedited timetable.

Proponents of the measure argue that it would streamline the city’s lengthy seven-month land use process, while circumventing City Council members’ unofficial veto on projects in their districts — known as member deference. Some pols and pro-development groups have blamed member deference for stifling the pace of building at a time when new housing is desperately needed.

On the other hand, leaders in the City Council say the proposal shifts power away from officials elected by their communities to the mayor and removes members’ ability to negotiate directly with developers for better terms. They also charge that Questions 2-4 are misleading, given that the proposed changes would not significantly shorten the time it takes to get projects approved.

Proposal 3: Simplify Review of Modest Housing and Infrastructure Projects

Question on Ballot: Simplify review of modest amounts of additional housing and minor infrastructure projects, significantly reducing review time. Maintain Community Board review, with final decision by the City Planning Commission.

Voting Yes: Simplifies review for limited land-use changes, including modest housing and minor infrastructure projects.

Voting No: Leaves these changes subject to longer review, with final decision by City Council.

Proposal 3 is designed to simplify the review of “modest” housing and infrastructure projects by cutting their review time from seven to roughly three months. It would apply to projects that increase residential capacity by up to 30% from current levels or those up to 45 feet tall.

The relevant projects would require approval by the CPC rather than the council.

The city’s legislature has leveled a similar argument against Proposal 3 as the previous one. They also contend that the shortened timeline is misleading because the council’s 65-day review period only represents a small part of the overall land use process.

Proposal 4: Establish an Affordable Housing Appeals Board 

Question on Ballot: Establish an Affordable Housing Appeals Board with the Council Speaker, local Borough President, and Mayor to review Council actions that reject or change applications creating affordable housing.

Voting Yes: Creates the three-member Affordable Housing Appeals Board to reflect Council, borough, and citywide perspectives.

Voting No: Leaves affordable housing subject to the Mayor’s veto and final decision by City Council.

Proposal 4 would establish a “Land Use Appeals Board” with the authority to override council votes to reject or alter developments. The board would consist of the mayor, council speaker, and borough president of the borough in which the project is located.

The panel appears designed to serve as another check on member deference — creating a process to prevent one council member from blocking a project from moving forward.

The council has railed against this change in particular, as it gives developers the ability to negotiate directly with the mayor and borough president, thereby cutting out the local member. 

Proposal 5: Create a Digital City Map

Question on Ballot: Consolidate borough map office and address assignment functions, and create one digital City Map at the Department of City Planning. Today, the City Map consists of paper maps across five offices.

Voting Yes: Creates a consolidated, digital City Map.

Voting No: Leaves in place five separate map and address assignment functions, administered by Borough President Offices.

Proposal 5 requires the Department of City Planning (DCP) to digitize the City Map, which legally defines street names, widths, and lines.

Currently, the City Map consists of 8,000 pages of paper maps maintained by the offices of each of the five borough presidents. The measure would see DCP consolidate those documents into one centralized and digitized map.

Unlike proposals 2-4, proposal 5 has seen little controversy.

Proposal 6: Move Local Elections to Presidential Election Years

Question on Ballot: Move the City’s primary and general election dates so that City elections are held in the same year as Federal Presidential elections, when permitted by state law.

Voting Yes: Moves City elections to the same year as Federal Presidential Elections, when permitted by state law.

Voting No: Leaves laws unchanged.

Proposal 6 would move city elections from odd to even-numbered years in a bid to increase voter turnout for local contests. Specifically, it would shift them to presidential election years.

Currently, city elections for offices including mayor, comptroller, public advocate, and City Council member take place every four years, with the next election scheduled for 2029. That means they are held the year after every presidential election year, such as 2024 and 2028.

Proponents of the measure say it would increase voter turnout, which is typically far higher in presidential election years, for local races. Furthermore, they argue it would save taxpayer funds because the city would not need to hold as many elections.

On the other hand, detractors charge that the change could lead to longer ballots that confuse voters. They also worry local races would be overshadowed by state and national contests.

Few people in modern history have reached such commanding heights or fallen to such spectacular lows in New York politics as Andrew Cuomo.

The post Mayoral candidate profiles: Andrew Cuomo appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.

Independent mayoral candidate and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo made an exclusive appearance at the Thomas Jefferson Club.

The post ✰PREMIUM <br>Cuomo speaks at iconic Democratic stronghold, the Thomas Jefferson Club, before hundreds appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.

Sponsored by AARP

Brooklyn’s District 47 is just a few days away from deciding their next City Council representative. The news team recently spoke with candidates, George Sarantopoulos and Kayla Santosuosso, to discuss their thoughts on health care. 

Q: Many seniors struggle to find affordable and nearby health care services. What strategies would you propose to expand access to primary care and specialty services for older adults, especially in underserved neighborhoods?

Santosuosso: Far too many seniors in our district struggle with health care access, and I am deeply concerned about federal cuts to Medicare making this problem worse. It is critical that the city step up to replace funding that is cut on a federal level. It is critical that whoever we elect to City Council has experience working with programs like Access-a-Ride, because bureaucratic hurdles are the last thing that should be impacting the health of our seniors.

Sarantopoulos: Many seniors in our district shouldn’t have to travel far just to see a doctor. I’ll work with local hospitals and private practices to expand bringing rotating primary and specialty care directly into our senior centers and NYCHA community rooms, and growing mobile health services in underserved areas. I’ll also work to cut unnecessary red tape so independent doctors and visiting nurses can set up care locally. Care should come to our seniors, not the other way around.

Q: Chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis are common among seniors. How would you support programs that focus on preventive care, management of chronic illnesses, and health education tailored for older residents?

Santosuosso: I am the only candidate in this race who has direct experience working with NYC Health & Hospitals to get better services for our seniors. It’s a fight I take very seriously because education, and early detection of these chronic conditions can have huge impacts on the quality of life of our senior citizens. Seniors who helped make this city what it is today deserve the highest level of care, and that’s what I will continue to fight for everyday. 

Sarantopoulos: As a cancer survivor, I know how important consistent care and early prevention are. Preventive support keeps people healthier and more independent for longer. I’ll support senior center wellness programs, pharmacy-based screenings, and nutrition and mobility guidance that help manage diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions. We should not wait for emergencies, we help people stay well in the first place.

Q: During public health emergencies, seniors are disproportionately affected. What plans do you have to ensure that older residents receive timely information, vaccinations, and emergency health care services in times of crisis?

Santosuosso: We need to ensure that the Office of Emergency Management is working with the Department of Health and Human Services to create plans to protect seniors well before the next pandemic begins. The care of seniors needs to be our highest priority and the time to start planning is right now, not when the crisis begins. 

Sarantopoulos: In a crisis, seniors must get clear information quickly. I will make sure emergency support services are based directly in our neighborhoods, not somewhere across the city. I also support a dedicated senior help line, a 311 for older residents, so they can call one number and get real answers fast. Seniors deserve simple and reliable guidance they can count on.

Sponsored by AARP

The news team spoke with City Council candidates for District 47, George Sarantopoulos and Kayla Santosuosso, to discuss how they would address education challenges and its effect on older residents. 

Q: What initiatives would you support to promote continued education and skill-building opportunities for seniors in your district?

Santosuosso: My district is home to some of the most active senior centers in the city, as well as beautiful libraries. Unfortunately, many of the institutions are under threat from federal funding cuts. In order for these havens of lifelong learning to continue to provide the highest quality services possible we need to ensure that funding can be replaced by the city.

Sarantopoulos: Staying mentally and socially active keeps people healthier. I’ll support affordable and free classes, art and cultural workshops and trips, and intergenerational programs through senior centers and libraries. Seniors deserve spaces to learn, share, and stay connected.

Q: Digital literacy is increasingly important for accessing healthcare, government services, and staying connected. How would you help older residents develop digital skills and ensure they have access to necessary technology?

Santosuosso: Staying connected is critical to improving the quality of life of our seniors, and  digital literacy is instrumental to that. We need to expand the digital literacy programs so many of our seniors are relying on through the public library system, as well as expand our outreach efforts so that seniors know the resources available to them.

Sarantopoulos: Too many seniors struggle with technology that has become essential for healthcare and daily life. I’ll expand hands-on digital training through libraries, senior centers & NACHA community rooms and work with providers to secure affordable internet options. Helping seniors stay connected helps them stay independent.

Q: Many seniors wish to stay engaged and informed about community issues. What programs or partnerships would you advocate for to provide educational workshops, seminars, or discussions tailored specifically for older adults?

Santosuosso: If elected, my office will always be a resource to help seniors remain connected. Beyond expanding outreach efforts about the programs we already have, we need to make a greater effort to meet people where they are at and learn from seniors themselves about what events, programs and partnerships they need to thrive in our communities. The people who built the city  continue to be one of its greatest assets, and I will always seek input from our seniors as we make decisions that impact their lives.

Sarantopoulos: Seniors want to stay informed and involved in the community. I will support regular discussions and gatherings at senior centers, local halls, places of worship, and cultural organizations where seniors can speak, share, and stay connected. And I will make sure printed information is always available for those who prefer it.