In response to a wave of recent high-profile incidents in the underground transit network, New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently outlined his future plans for the metropolis. In his latest proposal, he intends to invest an additional $650 million over the coming five years to tackle the burgeoning issues of street homelessness and mental health. The Mayor, a member of the Democratic party, disclosed this new financial commitment during his yearly State of the City address, positioning the investment as a defensive measure to allay increasing public apprehension over safety — a topic he’s keenly concerned with.
Delivering his address from the renowned Apollo Theater in Harlem, Adams drew attention to his strategies focused on controlling escalating rates of gun violence and homicides. He also committed to providing extra resources to enhance the safety and security of the city’s subway system. Referring to recent events, Adams remarked, ‘The unsettling instances of random violence that have occurred recently have deeply affected several New Yorkers.’
He continued, ‘This financial commitment will enable us to broaden the range of assistance we offer to fellow citizens who’ve found themselves residing in the subway system, grappling with severe mental health issues and those in danger of requiring shelter.’ According to recent surveys, the number of individuals taking up residence in the streets and subway system of NYC touched its highest level in nearly twenty years in the past year. This situation is fueled, largely, by increasing rental rates and a shelter system that’s often seen as unfit due to overcrowded conditions and perceived safety threats.
A significant proportion of funds will be allocated towards establishing an additional 900 ‘safe haven’ beds, seen as a better option to the conventional dormitory-style shelters in the city. The plan also includes creating an additional 100 beds dedicated to homeless children and teens. The plan outlines an increased outreach presence in the subway system and also includes provisions for a new specialized center for mentally ill individuals who have no designated lodging post their discharge from healthcare facilities. The center’s exact location is yet to be finalized.
Nevertheless, there’s been a downward trend in most types of crimes, including those linked to the subway system, observed in the city last year. However, cases of felony assault have shown an uptick both above and below the ground. Despite these figures, violent crime within the city’s transit system remains an exception with subway platforms and coaches deemed to be as secure as any other public space within the city. Yet, some commuters have grown fearful due to the recent surge in violent incidents.
In the past month, there have been several disturbing incidents on the subway. These include a man being forcefully pushed onto the subway tracks in front of an oncoming train on New Year’s Eve, a woman who was fatally burned while she slept, and an incident where a man attacked two individuals with a blade at a subway station in Manhattan’s Grand Central.
In addition to this, Adams, who once served as a police captain, has given his assurance to boost the count of law enforcement personnel patrolling the subway network. During his Thursday address, he pledged to double down on his longstanding lobbying for a state law that would simplify the process of committing individuals with severe mental health issues that are found living on the streets to institutions.
New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul, also a Democrat, expressed her support for Adam’s proposal last week. She agreed with the proposal’s fundamental idea, though the exact implications and chances for the proposed law’s success in the state legislature remain indeterminate.