Unions Join Council Leadership in Opposition to Mayoral Ballot Measures
Politically influential labor unions with a stake in real estate development joined City Council leaders on Monday on the Lower East Side to rally public opposition to city charter changes soon to go before voters — arguing that proposals to bypass the Council on some approvals would weaken public influence.
The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, building workers union 32BJ SEIU and District Council of Carpenters stood with Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Majority Leader Amanda Farías, and other Council members to urge a no vote on the items, put forth by a charter revision commission convened by outgoing Mayor Eric Adams.
Items 2, 3 and 4 would allow developers to bypass Council review for subsidized affordable housing developments and minor zoning changes, while creating an appeals process. Those projects would still be voted on by the mayorally appointed City Planning Commission.
The Council frequently uses its decisive power over proposed land use changes to wrest concessions from developers, and sometimes reject projects when the local Council member objects.
https://www.thecity.nyc/2025/10/07/council-ballot-affordable-housing-zoning-unions/