Mamdani Breaks With Adams on Supportive Housing Project
Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a significant shift in policy Monday, stating that his administration will support the construction of a supportive housing project on the campus of Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx. This reversal comes as a major departure from his predecessor, Eric Adams.
The "Just Home" project, which was approved by the City Council last September, aims to convert a vacant hospital building into affordable apartments for New Yorkers with complex medical conditions and those leaving Rikers Island. The development will include 83 new units of supportive housing, 58 of which are reserved for low-income tenants. A prominent nonprofit organization, Fortune Society, will operate the site.
According to Stanley Richards, President and CEO of the Fortune Society, operating this project is like "coming home" since he was born at Jacobi Medical Center. The plan has garnered support from various stakeholders, including Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who argued that it's a necessary step to expand housing access for vulnerable residents.
Mamdani's decision echoes his campaign platform of decarceration, tenant protection, and expanding non-police responses to public health and homelessness. The mayor stated that the project represents progress that was previously being held up, adding that "we want to build as much as possible across this city."
The development has faced opposition from some local residents, including former Councilmember Kristy Marmorato, who campaigned against the project. However, her opponent, Shirley Aldebol, a longtime labor leader, supported Just Home and was instrumental in securing the project's approval.
Mamdani's decision marks a significant shift in policy, and it will be interesting to see how this move plays out in terms of its potential impact on affordable housing and community development.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a significant shift in policy Monday, stating that his administration will support the construction of a supportive housing project on the campus of Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx. This reversal comes as a major departure from his predecessor, Eric Adams.
The "Just Home" project, which was approved by the City Council last September, aims to convert a vacant hospital building into affordable apartments for New Yorkers with complex medical conditions and those leaving Rikers Island. The development will include 83 new units of supportive housing, 58 of which are reserved for low-income tenants. A prominent nonprofit organization, Fortune Society, will operate the site.
According to Stanley Richards, President and CEO of the Fortune Society, operating this project is like "coming home" since he was born at Jacobi Medical Center. The plan has garnered support from various stakeholders, including Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who argued that it's a necessary step to expand housing access for vulnerable residents.
Mamdani's decision echoes his campaign platform of decarceration, tenant protection, and expanding non-police responses to public health and homelessness. The mayor stated that the project represents progress that was previously being held up, adding that "we want to build as much as possible across this city."
The development has faced opposition from some local residents, including former Councilmember Kristy Marmorato, who campaigned against the project. However, her opponent, Shirley Aldebol, a longtime labor leader, supported Just Home and was instrumental in securing the project's approval.
Mamdani's decision marks a significant shift in policy, and it will be interesting to see how this move plays out in terms of its potential impact on affordable housing and community development.