“New York City is facing a dire housing crisis that must be addressed with urgency and action,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The Council is committed to being part of the solution by approving sound housing projects that increase the availability of affordable housing, and today’s committee votes are a clear demonstration. It is critical for housing development to prioritize local concerns and community input, while helping to contribute to solving our affordable housing crisis citywide.
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Urge Administration to consider indoor locations and focus on expediting transitions from homeless shelters into permanent housing by eliminating bureaucracy and expanding supportive housing
City Hall, NY – Speaker Adrienne Adams, Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, and the chair and members of the Council’s Immigration Committee expressed major concerns about the City’s plan to relocate its Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center from Orchard Beach to Randall’s Island.
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“Tonight, families across New York City will begin to observe Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of Atonement, and one of the holiest days of the year. Members of the Jewish community will gather to reflect on the past year, how they lived their values, served their families and communities, and are committed to future change in the coming year. I wish to extend an easy and meaningful fast for all those who are observing.
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City Hall, NY – Today, Speaker Adrienne Adams delivered opening remarks at the Council’s Committee on Immigration oversight hearing to examine the status of resources and services for newly arrived people seeking asylum. In her remarks, the Speaker addressed her concerns on the current migrant crisis and questioned the Administration’s handling of shelter and assistance for families affected and in need.
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“I am heartbroken by the loss of 25-year EMS Lieutenant Alison Russo, who was tragically killed today in Astoria. My condolences are with her family, loved ones, and community. Our city is mourning her loss. As the mother of an FDNY paramedic, I know firsthand the critical work our EMTs do every day. The safety of these dedicated public servants who heroically save lives is critically important.”
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City Hall, NY – Today, the Council voted on legislation to ensure transparency and equal access at New York City’s 311 Customer Service Center, operated by the New York City Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DOITT). From long wait times to lack of language access, New Yorkers commonly face problems while attempting to get assistance. The Council’s legislation seeks to improve 311 by increasing transparency on wait times, efficiently identifying languages spoken by callers, and ensuring that the 311 Customer Service Center is proactively informed and equipped to address the need for new and updated service request/complaint types.
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“Yesterday’s City Council hearing on legislation regarding solitary confinement was an important moment for our city. While the hearing was conducted professionally, what transpired at City Hall before the hearing was deeply troubling. The footage and reports of disrespectful actions, some directed at members of this body, are unacceptable and I am disappointed that this situation unfolded in the way it did.
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City Hall, NY – Today, Speaker Adrienne Adams delivered opening remarks at the Council’s Committee on Criminal Justice hearing on Introduction 549, which would ban the use of solitary confinement in city jails.
Below are the Speaker’s full remarks as prepared for delivery:
“Good morning, I am Speaker Adrienne Adams, and I’d like to thank Chair Rivera for convening this hearing today on Introduction 549, which would ban solitary confinement in city jails.
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City Hall, NY – New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and the Council’s members of Puerto Rican descent — Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Council Member Carlina Rivera, Council Member Marjorie Velázquez, Council Member Amanda Farías, Council Member Tiffany Cabán, and Council Member Alexa Avilés — called for the federal government to provide a waiver to the Jones Act for Puerto Rico in order to help the island recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona.
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“I would like to wish all those celebrating Rosh Hashanah throughout New York City best wishes for a shana tova u’metukah, a happy sweet new year. In these challenging times may we use this New Year as an opportunity to rebuild our communities through empathy, acts of kindness and compassion. May the year 5783 be a year of peace, prosperity, and health.”
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