Community groups rallied outside City Hall Wednesday to call for an end to backdoor deals between real estate developers and city leaders.
Advocates say developers have been able to make so-called "pay-to-play" deals by hiring lobbyists or making large campaign contributions in city elections. They argue the city is putting the interests of developers ahead of New Yorkers.
"We've come here because our ideas for zoning reform never get a hearing, while the ideas of big real estate appear to rule the day and are the only ideas our government seems to consider," said Lynn Ellsworth, chair of the Tribeca Trust.
"It is disheartening for the citizens of this city to see government entities under the control of the mayor, granting special favors to developers at the public's defense," said Steve Guterman, founder of Save the View Now.
At least a dozen community groups took part in the rally.