NYC Voters Asked to Decide Five Charter Amendments on November Ballot

New Yorkers heading to the polls on November 3 will be asked to weigh in on five charter amendment questions alongside the governor's race and congressional contests. Question 1 would simplify outdoor dining by removing mandatory hearings and stripping the City Council of veto power over sidewalk café applications, cutting the approval window from eight months to two months and saving restaurants up to $1,800 in fees. Question 3 would accelerate bike and bus lane construction by reducing inter-agency approval steps, with commissioners estimating a 33% speed gain; it also fast-tracks sales of unused city-owned property. Question 2 streamlines paperwork for city contractors and converts a required public hearing to a written comment period. Question 4 would consolidate 40 building permits from 18 offices into a single digital hub. Question 5 establishes a 12% rainy-day reserve target and requires mayoral approval for large withdrawals. Early voting begins October 24.