Politics & Government
Avella Bills Aim to Reform Board of Standards and Appeals Procedures
Avella's legislation passes in the Cities Committee, but full Senate has yet to vote on bills.
The state Senate’s Cities Committee has passed two bills proposed by Sen. Tony Avella, D-Bayside, that involve the city’s Boards of Standards and Appeals.
One bill would require that one of the members of the BSA, which regulates development of private property, must be a financial analyst with processional qualifications and at least 10 years experience in the field.
Currently, the city’s charter requires the board to have at least one member who is a planner, another who is a registered architect and at least one licensed professional engineer.
“Given the broad powers the BSA has in granting variances based on economic and financial hardship, it should also be obvious that there is an important need for one member of the BSA to be a financial analyst,” Avella said.
The second bill would require that the variance and special permit decisions made by the board must be decided by a two-thirds majority of quorum present and voting.
“The BSA makes decisions that have a profound effect on the quality of life of neighborhoods,” Avella said. “Yet, time and time again, the BSA grants variances and special permits despite overwhelming community opposition.”
The state Senate’s full legislative body has yet to vote on the bills.
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