🔴 LIVE: Hearing on Appointments of John Mangin, Lisa Garcia, and Dr. Dave Chokshi

This New York City Council hearing on September 2, 2026, focused on the mayor's nominations for key city boards: Lisa Garcia for the New York City Land Bank Board of Directors, Dr. Dave Chokshi for the Board of Health, and John Manchin as chair of the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA). Commissioner Garcia discussed the establishment of the Land Bank to replace the lien sale process, emphasizing equitable, transparent collection of unpaid property taxes and water bills, and the potential for the Land Bank to support affordable housing and community engagement. Dr. Chokshi highlighted his public health experience, addressing issues such as racism as a public health crisis, vaccination, mental health, and the challenges of modernizing the health system amid federal funding cuts. John Manchin outlined his extensive background in housing and land use, his commitment to transparency and community participation, and his support for the BSA's expanded role in facilitating affordable housing projects through zoning variances and special permits. The hearing included detailed discussions on community engagement, housing affordability, displacement, and the balance of local input with legal and planning frameworks. Manchin committed to improving BSA transparency and responsiveness to council input, while Garcia and Chokshi emphasized stakeholder engagement and equity in their respective roles.