We all see what’s happening on our streets, in trains, on subway platforms, and under scaffolding. The headlines in the New York Times and Daily News tell the story. TRD has been chronicling how city and state government are making it difficult – if not impossible – for building owners to invest in their properties. And the politicians who recently imposed reckless bail policies aren’t done.
It’s not scare tactics to say that the city can easily slip back to the chaos of the 1970s and early 80s. It’s already happening. Crime is up. Hate crimes are spiking. Anti-Semitic incidents are rampant. Police are being targeted. Commuting to work and school has become dangerous. We again need to remind our loved ones and colleagues – “Pay attention to your surroundings. Be careful. Stay safe.”
If property owners cannot sensibly invest in their buildings, New York’s affordable housing stock will inevitably deteriorate. If homeowners continue to be burdened with inequitable property taxes and ever rising costs, they’ll move. If there aren’t gifted-and-talented programs for young families with kids, or if they are penalized for choosing Yeshivas or Catholic schools, they will depart for the suburbs. If our streets and subways aren’t safe, New Yorkers will vote with their feet and leave.
In the midst of this civic chaos, with over 70% of uniformed city workers without a contract, Mayor de Blasio is off campaigning in other parts of the country while his schools Chancellor is fighting with families in Queens and NYCHA crumbles. It would be laughable if it weren’t all so damaging.
New York City needs to take its municipal responsibilities seriously, for all of our neighborhoods and for the full diversity of our communities – not just some.
The Sergeants of the NYPD are here for you. We’re the Frontline Police Supervisors, and we’ll always speak up.
Paid for the by the Sergeants Benevolent Association, Ed Mullins – President.