A room with roundtables was set up at the New Settlement Community Center in the Bronx for a “Community Conversation” session with Mayor Eric Adams. This gathering marked the first meeting since federal investigations began into Mayor Adams’ administration and the resignation of key members of his inner circle.
During the session, community members expressed their concerns to Mayor Adams. Despite the ongoing investigations and the recent resignation of Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan, who has been serving as the city’s top doctor since March 2022, there was no mention of these issues at the meeting.
In a statement, Vasan announced his departure in January for personal reasons, emphasizing his commitment to continuing his clinical work and teaching. The mayor expressed gratitude to Vasan earlier in the day for his efforts in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, M-pox, and the mental health crisis.
When Bronx resident Jerri Mitchell raised concerns about the increasing presence of drug addicts on the streets, Mayor Adams directed the question to Dr. Mitchell Katz, the president and CEO of NYC Health and Hospitals. Katz highlighted the city’s struggle with drug use and overdoses, attributing it to the availability of cheap fentanyl.
Another topic that emerged during the conversation was the issue of migrants in the city. Mane McCullough, a Bronx resident, expressed worries about the surplus of shelters in certain communities, citing the intake of over 200,000 migrants since the spring of 2022. In response, Mayor Adams suggested that members of the City Council should advocate for the distribution of new facilities across different districts to share the responsibility more evenly.
The New Settlement Community Center, where the event took place, has a history of offering its space for mayoral events. Attendees at the community conversation were required to sign up in advance to participate in the discussion. The session provided a platform for community members to engage with the mayor and raise important issues affecting their neighborhoods.
Overall, the “Community Conversation” at the New Settlement Community Center facilitated an open dialogue between Mayor Eric Adams and Bronx residents, allowing for the exchange of concerns and ideas in a collaborative setting. Despite the absence of direct references to the ongoing investigations and recent resignations, the session offered a glimpse into the pressing issues facing the community and the city at large.
