Mayor Adams begins move to tackle housing crisis in NYC

New York City Mayor, Eric Adams, engaged with New Yorkers about pressing issues affecting everyday New Yorkers, most notably the housing crisis that has gripped the city for decades.

The engagement was held during a show, airing every second Sunday of the month, serves as a platform for residents to voice theiru concerns directly to the mayor, aligning with Adams’ commitment to transparency and community involvement.

Opening the show, Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of dialogue, stating, “If you are listening for the first time, the purpose of the show is really to hear from you, everyday New Yorkers.” He encouraged residents to call in to share their experiences and ask questions, reinforcing a community-driven approach to governance.

This month’s hot-button topic was housing, with the mayor quoting a well-known adage: “The rent is too damn high.” Joined by Commissioner Adolfo Carrión of the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, they shed light on the stark reality of New York City’s housing landscape—one characterized by an alarming low vacancy rate of just 1.4%, the lowest since the late 1960s.

Commissioner Carrión shared some eye-opening statistics, noting that for new affordable housing developments, the competition is fierce. “For a typical 200-unit building, there might be 50,000 to 100,000 applicants,” he explained, highlighting the desperate need for more housing options in the city. He urged New Yorkers to engage with initiatives like Housing Connect to better their chances of securing affordable housing.

A poignant moment in the broadcast came when a guest, Allen Pastures, shared his personal journey from homelessness to finding a stable home, thanks in part to the support from Mayor Adams’ office.

“I was just running all over the place,” Pastures recounted, detailing the challenges he faced with housing vouchers. His inspiring story underscored the importance of perseverance and the effectiveness of community resources.

Mayor Adams reinforced the message of hope, urging residents to take advantage of available resources and never lose sight of their goals. “Hope is the fuel that continues our existence,” he said, rallying the audience to stay engaged and proactive in their housing pursuits.