Mayor Adams vows to transform NYC, highlights achievements, future plans

Mayor Eric Adams, alongside Executive Deputy Commissioner Ryan Murray and Chief Program Officer for the Department for the Aging, addressed the community’s concerns and highlighted the administration’s achievements and future plans.

Adams, who grew up in the area, expressed his deep connection to the community and his commitment to serving its residents.

Mayor Adams began by acknowledging the community and key figures present.

He praised the active involvement of Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar and mentioned his longtime mentor Malcolm Smith.

Adams emphasized the importance of direct communication with the community through town halls, ensuring that residents are informed about the administration’s efforts and achievements.

Adams drew parallels between his tenure and that of former Mayor David Dinkins, highlighting the criticisms both faced.

He recounted the challenges he inherited upon taking office on January 1, 2022, including a 40% increase in crime, lack of high-speed broadband for NYCHA residents, high unemployment rates among Black residents, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite these challenges, Adams proudly shared the administration’s significant accomplishments over the past two years: the city now boasts the highest number of jobs and small businesses in its history.

Black unemployment has been halved, and overall unemployment in Black communities has dropped below 8% for the first time since 2019.

The administration has invested in foster care children, covering college tuition, providing stipends, and offering life coaching until they turn 21. Significant decreases in shootings, homicides, and robberies have been recorded, with overall crime down, especially in the subway system. The city has financed more affordable housing in one year than ever before and moved more people out of homelessness into permanent housing. Efforts to combat the rat problem include the containerization of garbage, a practice long overdue.

Adams also addressed the ongoing migrant crisis, noting the legal constraints preventing the city from refusing incoming buses or denying basic services to migrants. He criticized the federal government’s handling of the situation, emphasizing the need for migrants to be allowed to work, which would alleviate the burden on the city’s resources.

Adams highlighted the diversity within his administration, with several historic firsts, including the first Black first deputy mayor, first Filipino deputy mayor, first Dominican deputy mayor, and others. He emphasized the importance of representation and the administration’s efforts to ensure that all communities are fairly represented and served.

Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar spoke about her legislative efforts to improve the quality of life for seniors and address the challenges posed by new technologies and illegal activities. She highlighted her work in shutting down illegal smoke shops and introducing legislation to regulate e-bikes, ensuring safer streets for all residents.

The town hall featured an open floor session where community members raised concerns about rental assistance for seniors, resources for elderly individuals with mental disabilities, and street safety measures. Adams and his team provided detailed responses, emphasizing ongoing efforts and available resources to address these issues.

Mayor Eric Adams concluded the town hall by reaffirming his commitment to the community and his determination to continue improving the city. He encouraged residents to take advantage of available resources and stay engaged with the administration’s efforts. The event underscored the administration’s proactive approach to addressing community concerns and its dedication to making New York City a better place for all its residents.