NEWYORK: New York city Mayor Eric Adams said that their message is clear which is protecting public safety, rebuilding our economy and making the city livable, particularly for working-class people.
Talking with media persons during weekly briefing, Mayor Adams said that on Sunday morning NYPC had conducted the largest, the Operation Padlock operation and almost over $5 million worth of illegal products seized by the sheriff and the NYPD.
“I was out with them around 1 a.m. in the morning at an illegal social club. We also found a shotgun inside. It was just unbelievable the volume of illegal cannabis that was located here, single rolls, Skittles, different items that really attracted young people,” he said.
“We also are looking in other areas, and we’re focusing on as well. As I was alluding to, the lithium-ion batteries with DOT commissioner and the fire commissioner, yesterday, the Department of Transportation proposed new rules to allow property owners to more quickly install safe outdoor battery charging infrastructure, he said.
Mayor Adams said that he and the commissioner went to a number of sites throughout last year where they saw these illegal charging stations and they want to sort of alleviate that and make sure that it’s done safely.
“We’re excited about this new initiative that the FDNY is investing $1 million in a fire safety education campaign. It’s clear that this education is helping, because when you look at the number of deaths that are taking place, these e-bikes were being stored by the exit ways, by doors, and it was left in bedrooms. It was one of the most horrific things when you could see how these batteries explode, and difficult to put out. This is an important initiative that we’re moving to make sure we can save lives in the process,” he said.
Regarding economy, Mayor Adams said that they knew that job availabilities were not reaching the people.
“I’m not sure what number of hiring halls we have done thus far, but I know it’s a lot. It is showing. Decrease in unemployment among Blacks, decrease in unemployment among Hispanics. I think a 30 percent decrease among Blacks, and close to the same among Hispanics. First time under almost a whole point, under 8 percent since 2019,” he said.
“We’re getting below and keep moving in those COVID levels. When you think about it was at one time, four times the rates of white, Black unemployment. We have really laser focus on letting folks know what jobs that are available. Not only in public service, but also in the private industry. Latino unemployment is at 6.5 percent. Black unemployment is at 7.3 percent. Nearly a full percentage below the pre-COVID levels. We’re really proud of this, because the prosperity of this city has eluded many communities and neighborhoods. It is our fight to make sure that it doesn’t happen,” he said.
On livability, Mayor Adams said that we’re doing a new mixed-use development on the west side of Manhattan.
“We’ll turn a former parking lot into 100 percent affordable housing with more than a half the units reserved for formerly homeless individuals. Including long-term survivors of HIV and AIDS,” he said.
“Yesterday, we announced a $500 million investment from the Battery Park City Authority’s Joint Purpose Fund to build and maintain more affordable housing across New York City. Really excited what folks will get out. Some streets are here. Some are possibilities. A lot of entertainment throughout the entire city. In the outer boroughs. We’re going to continue to do that,” he added.
