It further says that, “all board members shall recuse themselves from matters pending before the board in the event of a conflict of interest,” in a manner consistent with applicable State law, “and relevant Authorities Budget Office guidance.” Because the State’s Authorities Budget Office is run by an executive appointed by the Governor, who is likely to be responsive to his concerns, this codicil could have the effect of forcing any resident of Battery Park City who is appointed to the BPCA board to recuse himself (or herself) from casting a vote that is contrary to the Governor’s wishes. The Authorities Budget Office could theoretically construe almost any matter that comes before the BPCA as conflict of interest, since decisions by the agency’s board potentially affect matters ranging from property values to quality of life within the community.
In response, the the Governor’s decision to sign the bill Assembly members Deborah Glick and Yuh-Line Niou, along with Senator Brian Kavanagh released the following statement. “Local representation is the bedrock our City, our State, and our country are founded on — but for too long, residents of Battery Park City weren’t guaranteed a real voice in decisions that have a real impact on this community. The legislation we’ve passed will change that, ensuring that residents will have at least two seats at the table.”
They continued, “this community has been advocating for a formal say in the governance of the Battery Park City Authority for years, and we are glad to finally deliver on that goal. Now that the legislation has been finalized, we will work with the Governor’s office, our colleagues in the legislature, and neighborhood leaders to ensure that Battery Park City residents are appointed to the board as soon as possible.”