NYC: Adams highlights NYC safety, housing, mental health amid investigation

New York City Mayor Eric Adams had addressed the media in a detailed in-person availability, emphasizing significant strides in public safety, affordable housing, and mental health care, while also responding to pressing questions about a federal investigation involving him.

Mayor Adams began by celebrating the diversity and commitment of 625 newly graduated NYPD officers, representing 35 countries and speaking 39 different languages. He reiterated, “Public safety is the prerequisite to prosperity,” commending the NYPD for reducing citywide crime by 3,600 cases last year, marking the third consecutive year of decline in homicides and shootings.

The Mayor also touched on improvements in subway safety, noting a 15.5% crime reduction in December and a continuous decline over two years. However, he acknowledged the persistent public perception of insecurity, driven by incidents involving individuals with severe mental health issues. Adams defended the city’s proactive measures, including the removal of nearly 8,000 individuals from subways to receive care, amidst ongoing legal challenges from advocates supporting the right of mentally ill individuals to remain on the streets.

Addressing the city’s housing crisis, Adams highlighted the success of the “24 in 24” affordable housing initiative, which surpassed its goal with 26 projects and 12,000 new housing units. He announced the first public meeting of the new Charter Revision Commission, led by Rich Buery, aiming to reform archaic housing laws.

When questioned about the federal investigation alleging additional criminal activity, Adams dismissed the accusations, stating, “Even Ray Charles can see what’s going on,” and reaffirmed his focus on running the city, leaving legal matters to his attorney, Alex Spiro.

On subway safety, Adams supported the deployment of 200 additional officers, emphasizing the need for both substantive crime reduction and symbolic actions to improve public perception. He criticized the focus solely on police efforts, urging a broader examination of policies affecting public safety, such as laws permitting public urination and street sleeping.

In response to allegations of mismanagement within the NYPD, Adams defended his appointments, underscoring their qualifications and the administration’s achievements, including record-breaking crime reductions and economic recovery efforts.

Regarding the MTA’s financial management and congestion pricing, Adams distanced himself from these issues, citing state and federal responsibilities, while advocating for city input on congestion pricing, which he believes should have involved the City Council.

Finally, Adams reaffirmed his commitment to safety and fiscal responsibility, despite challenges such as unexpected demonstrations and overtime expenditures, asserting, “Yes, I’m responsible for whatever happens in the city. I’m the mayor.”