Our Bureau
New York, NY
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has outlined a bold vision to make New York City the best place to raise a family in his fourth State of the City address, delivered at The Apollo theater in Harlem, Manhattan. After driving crime down, passing historic housing legislation, and helping New Yorkers save billions of dollars through tax relief, child care, free internet, and more in 2024, Mayor Adams used the address to unveil new initiatives that will create a safer, more affordable city for working-class families, especially those trying to raise a family, all across the five boroughs.
“Thank you, Mayor Adams, for choosing the Apollo Theater in my district as the site of this year’s State of the City address,” said United States Representative Adriano Espaillat. “This is an exciting way to kickstart 2025 by highlighting the historic contributions and impact of Harlem to New York City and the fabric of our nation. Together, we are working to make our city a better place where families not only live, but where they thrive.”
“Equitable access to clean, safe public spaces has long been a priority for Southeast Queens, and these investments reflect a long-overdue commitment to our communities,” said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers. “Initiatives like Schoolyards to Playgrounds and expanded Parks Second Shifts are critical to ensuring all New Yorkers can enjoy quality public spaces and build upon the work we’ve done collectively with our community-based organizations. The expansion of free swim safety classes is another essential investment, serving thousands of young people in neighborhoods where water safety is vital. I thank the administration for recognizing the needs of Southeast Queens and taking steps to address them with these impactful programs.”
“As Mayor Adams has outlined his vision for 2025, I look forward to our continued work with the administration to ensure that the residents and families of the Bronx are not forgotten. From economic development to employment access, environmental justice, health, and public safety, it is critical that we work with our partners at City Hall to address these issues,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “Together, we will continue to tackle these challenges and build a stronger, more prosperous Bronx for everyone who calls our borough home.”
“The Adams administration is proposing a number of measures which have the potential to make New York City more inclusive and vibrant,” said Michelle de la Uz, executive director, Fifth Avenue Committee. “Fifth Avenue Committee looks forward to ensuring that the proposals are well informed by the needs of low- and moderate-income New Yorkers and communities as they advance over the next several months.”
“Midtown Manhattan’s Garment District Alliance applauds Mayor Adams’ commitment to addressing the city’s dire dearth of housing,” said Barbara Blair, president, Garment District Alliance. “The seriousness of our housing shortfall cannot be overstated, nor can the need for solutions to office vacancies. The mayor’s thoughtful plan addresses both pressing issues. The Garment District offers the most convenient transportation in the region, as well as easy access to theater, shopping, dining, and culture. However, its future depends on its long-overdue evolution into a 24/7, mixed-use district, which can only be achieved by encouraging residential conversions. We embrace the mayor’s efforts and look forward to working with New York City Department of City Planning to ensure the city’s goals are met.”
“One way for businesses to attract talent and keep their headquarters in New York City is to create more housing for all,” said Madelyn Wils, president, The Fifth Avenue Association. “Our city has become too expensive for people to realize their dreams here. I applaud Mayor Adams’ bold plan to create more housing in all five boroughs, including 100,000 units in Manhattan.”
“We commend Mayor Adams and the New York City Department of City Planning for their ambitious Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan, a bold and visionary step to address New York City’s housing needs and revitalize our neighborhoods for a vibrant, 24/7 mixed-use future,” said James Mettham, president, Flatiron NoMad Partnership. “By introducing dynamic new zoning districts and prioritizing housing, this plan creates opportunities for New Yorkers to live closer to their jobs while fostering a diverse mix of commercial spaces, enhanced public realms, and improved transit connectivity. The Flatiron NoMad Partnership proudly supports this transformative initiative and looks forward to collaborating with the city to bring it to fruition. Together, we will ensure that Flatiron, NoMad, and the greater Midtown South community thrive with expanded housing options, increased job opportunities, and a resilient, vibrant post-COVID economy.”
