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New York City Ballot Question 1: Revocable consents to use public space

On the ballot in
City of New York
Vote
Yes or no
Election
Nov 3, 2026

The question, as printed on the ballot

Proposed Charter Amendment: Speed Up Process for Granting a Revocable Consent to Use Public Space Simplify process to use public space for uses such as ramps, planters and cafes, by removing mandatory hearings and Council disapproval of sidewalk cafes, while maintaining community and Council input. “Yes” speeds up process to use public space while maintaining community input. “No” maintains longer process with mandatory public hearing to use public space and Council review of sidewalk cafes.

A “Yes” vote means

A yes vote removes mandatory hearings for revocable consents to use public space (ramps, planters, cafes) and ends Council disapproval of sidewalk cafes.

A “No” vote means

A no vote keeps the mandatory public hearing to use public space and Council review of sidewalk cafes.

Official plain English statement

This proposal would simplify the process for the City to grant a “revocable consent” to a property owner to use public property for private use like benches, ramps, planters, and cafes. It would eliminate a requirement that a City agency hold a hearing prior to granting a revocable consent and remove the requirement to publish notice in newspapers in advance of public hearings for revocable consents and franchises. With respect to sidewalk cafes, this proposed Charter amendment would remove City Council’s power to disapprove a sidewalk cafe, while retaining the requirement that notice be provided to the relevant Community Board, Borough President and Councilmember.

Question wording from the Board of Elections' Appendix A and its contest list; the plain-English text is the opening paragraph of the official abstract (Appendix B), which goes on to describe current law, the proposed changes and when they take effect.

Sources

The question and plain English statement are copied word for word from official election materials. The Gist does not take a side on ballot questions.