New York Metropolis Mayor Eric Adams hosts “Talk with Eric: A Community Conversation.” P.S. 46, The Alley Pond College, 64-45 218th Road, Bayside, NY. Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
Picture Credit score: Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Images Workplace
Mayor Eric Adams hosted his forty first “Community Conversation” at P.S. 46 in Bayside on Wednesday night, assembly with residents to debate a variety of native and citywide considerations, together with housing, training, public security, psychological well being, and small property possession.
The occasion, held at The Alley Pond College, introduced collectively neighborhood members, metropolis company leaders, and elected officers for a city hall-style dialogue. The mayor was joined by a number of deputy mayors and commissioners, together with First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro, NYPD Deputy Commissioner Mark Stewart, and Division of Metropolis Planning officers, amongst others. Group Board 11 Chair Paul DiBenedetto and District Supervisor Joseph Marziliano had been additionally in attendance.
Mayor Adams opened the occasion by reflecting on his administration’s accomplishments since taking workplace in January 2022, citing file job numbers, crime discount, and main citywide initiatives reminiscent of eradicating unlawful weapons, growing broadband entry for NYCHA residents, and shutting the Roosevelt Resort migrant shelter.
He emphasised his working-class background and described his administration as probably the most working-class in metropolis historical past, highlighting his 20 years within the NYPD and his efforts to stabilize the town throughout and after the pandemic.
Housing and Zoning Issues Dominate Dialogue
A central matter of the night was housing coverage, particularly opposition from some Bayside residents to the citywide zoning initiative often called the Metropolis of Sure. Attendees voiced concern over overdevelopment in Northeast Queens, rising prices, and the influence of recent housing on single-family neighborhoods.
“You’re trying to quiet our community boards,” one resident stated, urging the mayor to rethink zoning proposals that might enable multi-family items in historically low-density neighborhoods. “How much can Northeast Queens take?”
Adams defended his stance, citing a 1.4% citywide emptiness price and the pressing must construct extra housing throughout all neighborhoods. “Ten of the city’s 59 community boards are building more housing than the other 49 combined,” he famous. “We need more housing in this city.”
“We have to build more housing in the city of New York,” Adams stated. “If I don’t build more housing, you’re going to see tents on your block.”
Picture Credit score: Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Images Workplace
Scholar Advocates for College Security and Honest Funding
Danny Queen, a rising senior at Bayside Excessive College and scholar authorities president, addressed the mayor about security considerations and funding inequities for profession and technical training (CTE) applications. He offered documentation alleging that Bayside—a 100% state-certified CTE college—was being excluded from portfolio funding regardless of outperforming different faculties with related applications.
“We’re not asking for anything we’re not entitled to,” Queen stated, as he handed the mayor petitions signed by academics and oldsters. “Our students deserve this funding. We have the programs, we have the talent, and we’ve done the work.”
Deputy Mayor Tiffany Raspberry responded by citing present funding will increase and pledged to evaluation any inconsistencies. Deputy Chancellor Denika Rux promised to observe up straight with Queen and his college.
Public Security and E-Bike Enforcement
A number of residents raised considerations concerning the proliferation of unregistered e-bikes and scooters, citing security hazards and lack of regulation. First Deputy Mayor Mastro and NYPD officers defined latest laws and enforcement efforts, together with the seizure of over 100,000 unlawful autos throughout Adams’ time period.
“Some of these bikes are going 40 to 50 miles per hour through pedestrian areas,” stated Deputy Mayor for Public Security Phil Banks. “We’re working with DOT and the NYPD to crack down.”
The administration additionally highlighted the formation of a brand new DOT division to manage business e-bike utilization and introduced ongoing efforts to construct a activity power involving the FDNY, Division of Buildings, and Small Enterprise Companies to crack down on unauthorized retailers. Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated shops promoting non-UL-certified lithium batteries may face heavy fines or closure.
Picture Credit score: Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Images Workplace
Psychological Well being and Homelessness
Addressing questions on psychological sickness and public security, Adams and well being officers described ongoing initiatives to have interaction unsheltered New Yorkers, together with the launch of the PATH program and the enlargement of psychological well being beds at metropolis hospitals.
“We’ve taken over 8,400 people off the streets and subways and into shelters,” stated Chief of Division Jeffrey Maddrey. “It’s a team effort between officers, mental health experts, and community outreach workers.”
Dr. Mitchell Katz, CEO of NYC Well being + Hospitals, emphasised the necessity for longer therapy stays and everlasting housing options for these experiencing extreme psychological sickness. DSS Commissioner Molly Park famous that 97% of New Yorkers experiencing homelessness are at present sheltered, a statistic that outpaces many different main U.S. cities.
Issues from Small Landlords and Seniors
Native small property house owners and senior residents voiced frustration over unfunded mandates, growing upkeep prices, and up to date laws limiting their skill to display tenants. Mayor Adams expressed assist for separating laws for small and huge property house owners and criticized the Metropolis Council for lumping all landlords collectively.
“What we’re doing to small property landlords in this city is just abusive,” he stated. “You have people living in your basement and you can’t even do a background check. That’s not right.”
Division for the Getting older Deputy Commissioner Ryan Murray outlined enhancements to senior facilities and diet applications, whereas NYPD Deputy Commissioner Mark Stewart described new outreach efforts, together with senior rip-off prevention, self-defense lessons, and the task of older grownup liaisons in every precinct.
Picture Credit score: Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Images Workplace
Mayor Adams closed the night by reaffirming his dedication to direct engagement with New Yorkers.
“I’m beholden to one body of people: the people of New York City,” he stated. “I love this city, and I’m going to give this city everything I got until I’m no longer serving.”
The neighborhood dialog was a part of an ongoing citywide initiative to assemble suggestions and keep transparency between Metropolis Corridor and native neighborhoods.
