Jobs & Education Hub Groundbreaking, FDNY Commissioner, Veteran Journalist Honored, 25k Illegal Firearms Recovered, Guatemalan Heritage, Applications Open For LGBTQ+ Charities, Hunts Point Produce Market, Charter Rev Cmn: Mayor Adams

Jobs & Education Hub Groundbreaking, FDNY Commissioner, Veteran Journalist Honored, 25k Illegal Firearms Recovered, Guatemalan Heritage, Applications Open For LGBTQ+ Charities, Hunts Point Produce Market, Charter Rev Cmn: Mayor Adams

Editor’s note: This is Mayor Adams very last rundown as mayor.  We wish him well in his future endeavors.  Charities that provide services and assistance to LGBTQ+ individuals are encouraged to apply for the competitive grant described below.  

MAYOR ADAMS, GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCE GROUNDBREAKING FOR FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND JOBS AND EDUCATION HUB, CELEBRATE FOUR YEARS OF DELIVERING HOUSING, JOBS, AND TAX RELIEF FOR WORKING-CLASS NEW YORKERS 

SPARC Kips Bay Will Create Over 15,000 Jobs, Generate $42 Billion in Economic Impact Over 30 Years, and Deliver State-of-the-Art Life Sciences Space to CUNY Community 

Mayor Adams, Governor Hochul Have Consistently Set Tone for a Focused City-State Relationship That Delivers a More Affordable City for New Yorkers

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President and CEO Andrew Kimball, and The City University of New York (CUNY) Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez today celebrated progress on the Science Park and Research Campus (SPARC) Kips Bay project, a first-of-its-kind life sciences innovation, career, and education hub they have been working in partnership to make a reality since year one of the Adams administration. Deconstruction of the current campus on the site is expected to begin in February 2026, with construction of the new SPARC campus expected to begin in 2027. Today’s announcement is yet another example of the successful city-state partnership Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul have achieved for the last four years, working together to address the affordability crisis, create new housing, lower taxes, advance bold infrastructure projects, and make the city safer.

“SPARC Kips Bay will transform an entire New York City block into a state-of-the-art destination for the life sciences and healthy industry. It will create 15,000 good-paying jobs and generate over $42 billion in economic impact for our city. We thank our partners, NYCEDC, CUNY, and, especially, Governor Hochul for her steadfast support and leadership,” said Mayor Adams. “From day one, Governor Hochul has been a real partner in ‘Getting Stuff Done’ for our city and working people. Over the past four years, we have worked together to make our city more affordable, delivered the ‘City of Yes for Housing Opportunity,’ expanded the New York City Earned Income Tax Credit for the first time in nearly two decades, and eliminated the personal income tax for over 582,000 New Yorkers through our ‘Axe the Tax for Working-Class’ plan. We have worked in partnership to get big, visionary projects planned, approved, and built, including the reimaging of the Kingsbridge Armory and our historic plan to turn the Brooklyn Marine Terminal into a modern maritime port. Together, we have invested in a bold vision for the five boroughs that has made New York City safer, more affordable, and the best place to live and raise a family.”

“The new SPARC campus will drive innovation and research for New York’s nation-leading life sciences ecosystem, ensuring that groundbreaking medical advances are done right here in this city,” said Governor Hochul. “Over the past four years, Mayor Adams and I have made bold strides to uplift New York City’s economy, create good-paying jobs for New Yorkers, address the affordable housing crisis head-on, and forge ahead with critical infrastructure projects — showcasing what can be accomplished through state and city partnership.”

“SPARC Kips Bay will expand pathways into public health careers for our students and provide state-of-the-art facilities for our faculty who are conducting research for the public good,” said CUNY Chancellor Matos Rodríguez. “I’m pleased to mark this milestone and grateful to Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams for their leadership and support of this transformational project, which will strengthen our city and university.”

“The groundbreaking of SPARC Kips Bay marks a major step forward in strengthening our health care and life sciences infrastructure while creating thousands of good-paying jobs and long-term career opportunities for working-class people,” said Gary LaBarbera, president, Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. “By transforming Kips Bay into a state-of-the-art public health and education hub, this project will help solidify New York City as a leader in life sciences and provide accessible middle-class career paths to hard-working New Yorkers. We applaud Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul for their continued commitment to advancing projects that grow our economy, support our workforce, and improve the lives of all New Yorkers.”

“SPARC Kips Bay is a transformative project that represents a path-breaking approach to economic development in New York City — transforming an entire city block into a world-class hub that bridges together economic opportunity, cutting-edge innovation, and research, while creating strong, accessible career pathways for New Yorkers of all backgrounds into the innovative sectors of today and tomorrow,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Kimball. “As we officially mobilize for deconstruction, NYCEDC is thrilled to add SPARC Kips Bay to the list of major milestones accomplished with our city and state partners, and to celebrate advancing a project that will shape the region’s innovation ecosystem for generations to come. From unlocking long-stalled projects like Kingsbridge Armory to advancing city-shaping projects such as the Brooklyn Marine Terminal and SPARC Kips Bay, we are laying the foundation for inclusive, long-term growth across all five boroughs.”

“The SPARC Kips Bay project heralds a new era for our agency and the neighborhood we have called home for more than a century,” said New York Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jason Graham. “With the groundbreaking today, we take a concrete step toward the vision of a state-of-the-art forensic pathology center that will serve New Yorkers 24/7 and educate the next generation of leaders in forensic science and medicine. This transformation in progress testifies to what strong partnerships across the city and state can achieve for our community, and the Office of Chief Medical Examiner is proud to be part of this development.”

“This is a significant moment for our school,” said Dr. Ayman El-Mohandes, dean, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy. “We’ve experienced tremendous growth in the 10 years that we’ve been an independent school, and we’ve now outgrown our current space. The new SPARC Kips Bay campus will give us the room we need with modern classrooms where our students can learn, proper lab facilities where they can get hands-on experience, and, for the first time, wet lab space where our faculty can conduct the kind of research that’s essential to a public health institution. This move isn’t just about more square footage; it’s about finally having the infrastructure to match our ambitions for training future public health professionals and advancing research that matters to communities across New York.”

Next Steps for SPARC

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The transformation of SPARC will bring over 2 million square feet of academic, public health, and life sciences space to the community. First announced by Mayor Adams, Governor Hochul, NYCEDC, and CUNY in October 2022, the historic project is expected to create more than 15,000 total jobs, generate $42 billion in economic impact over the next 30 years, and establish a pipeline from New York City’s public schools and public universities to future-forward and family-supporting careers in the life sciences and health care sectors.

The Innovation East development — located at 455 First Avenue in Manhattan — will replace the former and obsolete Public Health Lab with a new state-of-the-art life science hub. The Public Health Lab will relocate to a new, modern facility in Harlem to continue its critical work, which is expected to be complete in 2026. Demolition of the existing 455 First Avenue building is anticipated to occur once the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene vacates, which is expected in 2026. SPARC Kips Bay passed Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULRUP) and received New York City Council approval in February 2025.

The SPARC Kips Bay and Innovation East projects are key initiatives to advance the LifeSci NYC with the goal of creating and attracting accessible jobs in life sciences, health care, and public health; and cementing New York City as a global leader in the sector.

Addressing New York City’s Affordability Crisis

Last year, Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul worked together to pass “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity,” the most pro-housing zoning proposal in New York City history. The citywide rezoning plan will enable the creation of 80,000 new homes over the next 15 years and invest $5 billion — including $1 billion from the state — towards critical infrastructure updates and housing. Additionally, in 2024, Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul worked with the New York state Legislature to pass a comprehensive housing agreement as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. That agreement — which included new tools to encourage more affordable housing, convert offices into homes, allow more density in housing, and create safe basement apartments — is already delivering more housing for New Yorkers across the city.

Further, Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul worked together to establish the New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust, paving the way for the overdue repair, rehabilitation, and modernization of 25,000 apartments under control of the New York City Housing Authority.

Over the last four years, under Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul’s leadership, the city and state worked together to deliver hundreds of millions of dollars in tax relief for working-class New Yorkers, including the first expansion of the New York City Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in nearly two decades and Mayor Adams’ “Axe the Tax for the Working-Class” proposal to eliminate and lower city personal income taxes for nearly 500,000 New Yorkers and their dependents. When combined, both Axe the Tax for the Working Class and the new, enhanced NYC EITC is putting more than a collective $408 million back into the pockets of 2 million New Yorkers.

Delivering on Big, Bold Infrastructure and Economic Development Projects

Since 2022, Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul have worked together to advance bold economic development and infrastructure projects that had previously languished for decades and bring new housing, jobs, and public space to New York City.

Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul — as well as local elected officials and community leaders — helped pass a historic vision plan to turn the Brooklyn Marine Terminal into a vibrant, mixed-use community. Backed by $418 million in city, state, and federal investments, the ambitious plan will transform the dilapidated marine terminal into a 60-acre, all-electric maritime port, as well as create 6,000 new homes, 28 acres of public space, 37,000 construction jobs, and 275,000 square feet of commercial space along the Brooklyn waterfront.

Additionally, Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul helped pass a historic plan to transform the Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx into a thriving, community-centered hub. With a state-of-the-art venue space for entertainment, new cultural and commercial space, light industrial manufacturing space, over 25,000 square feet of dedicated community space, and approximately 500 permanently-affordable homes, the new Kingsbridge Armory will deliver a more affordable Bronx for working-class New Yorkers.

Along with the “New” New York initiative to ensure an equitable economic recovery after the pandemic; a joint planning effort for the future of Roosevelt Island; an agreement to replace and expand the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan; a $500 million investment from the Battery Park City Authority’s Joint Purpose Fund into affordable housing; new incentive programs to encourage businesses to maintain offices in or move to New York City; and more, the Adams and Hochul administrations have consistently delivered a productive partnership and real results year after year.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams attends midnight mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Thursday, December 25, 2025. Photo Credit: Mayoral Photography Office

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the appointment of, and swore in, Mark Guerra as the 36th commissioner of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY). Guerra — who joined the FDNY in 1988 and currently serves as acting commissioner and first deputy commissioner — brings nearly four decades of experience across public safety and public service to the position.

“Under our administration, keeping New Yorkers safe and protected has always been our North Star, and having principled, qualified public servants in place to lead our critical public safety agencies is crucial to fulfilling that goal; there’s no person who meets those high standards Commissioner Mark Guerra,” said Mayor Adams. “Commissioner Guerra has served the FDNY for nearly four decades, honorably leading New York’s Bravest who keep New Yorkers safe every day. It’s my utmost honor to appoint him as our 36th FDNY commissioner to continue his dedicated and courageous leadership for our city. Congratulations, Commissioner!”

“For nearly four decades, I have been proud to serve not only the FDNY but the people of New York City. The entire department works day and night to keep New Yorkers safe, responding to fast-moving crises with courage, compassion, and intelligence. They embody ‘The Bravest and the Best’ in everything they do, and it is the honor of a lifetime to lead them,” said FDNY Commissioner Guerra. “I appreciate Mayor Adams’ trust in me and the opportunity to lead the greatest fire department in the world.”

“Thank you, Mayor Adams, for appointing Mark Guerra as the 36th Commissioner of the FDNY,” said Uniformed Firefighters Association President Andrew Ansbro. “When you enter the FDNY Academy, you are told ‘to leave the job better than you found it,’ and Mark has spent his years in the FDNY working toward that goal. The city and the FDNY are all better off for his service.”

About Mark Guerra

Mark Guerra began his career as a firefighter assigned to Engine 237 and Ladder 124 in Brooklyn. Guerra was promoted to lieutenant in 1994 and worked in Ladder 112 in Brooklyn. In 2002, Guerra was promoted to captain and served in Engine 214 in Brooklyn. In 2019, he was promoted to battalion chief and assigned to Battalion 35. He has been cited for bravery on four separate occasions during his career.

Guerra also served as the executive officer to FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro, and as executive officer of the FDNY Ceremonial Unit. He was promoted to first deputy commissioner of the FDNY in October 2024 and became acting commissioner after FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker left his position last week.

Guerra holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Manhattan College, a Juris Doctor from St. John’s Law, and is a graduate of the FDNY’s Fire Officers Management Institute.

Guerra is also a member of the FDNY Hispanic Society.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today awarded the Key to the City of New York to 60-year veteran journalist Marvin Scott — a New York State Broadcasters Hall of Famer, 14-time Emmy award winner, and recent Governors Award winner — in recognition of his lifelong impact on the city he continues to serve. Scott is a Bronx native that has been a cornerstone of New York broadcast news for more than five decades. Since joining WPIX in 1980, he has served as anchor, reporter, host, producer, and senior correspondent. Friday Dec 26th 2025. Credit: Justin Persaud/Mayoral Photography Office.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today awarded the Key to the City of New York.  Credit: Justin Persaud/Mayoral Photography Office.

Overall, major crimes also continue to trend downward across the five boroughs. In November 2025, major crime declined 5.6 percent citywide, driven by decreases in most major crime categories, as well as notable reductions in transit crime, housing development crime, and retail theft. From January through November 2025, major crime citywide dropped 3.1 percent compared to the same period last year, resulting in 3,621 fewer victims of major crimes across the five boroughs.

Out of the more than 25,000 guns seized since the beginning of the Adams administration, over 1,600 of them have been identified as ghost guns — unserialized, and therefore untraceable, firearms that are assembled through components purchased either as a kit, as separate pieces, or manufactured using 3-D printers. These weapons are fully functioning firearms and often end up in the hands of criminals as well as underage purchasers. Incidents involving ghost guns reflect a dangerously escalating trend — one that the NYPD is leading the charge against. The NYPD recovered 17 ghost guns in 2018, 48 in 2019, 150 in 2020, 263 in 2021, 528 in 2022, 401 in 2023, 435 in 2024, and already 295 so far in 2025.

In July 2024, Mayor Adams led a charge supporting an effort urging the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold commonsense ghost gun regulations. Along with Mayors Against Illegal Guns and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., Mayor Adams announced the filing of an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court case of Garland v. VanDerStok, in support of federal regulations issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that require ghost gun parts to have serial numbers and compel background checks for prospective buyers of ghost gun home-assembly kits.

Every firearm taken off a city street is only one part of the equation. Ensuring meaningful consequences for the small percentage of New Yorkers who carry illegal firearms and commit acts of violence is equally critical. The 2019 state legislative changes to discovery were necessary to improve the fairness of the criminal justice system, however, some of the consequences have crippled the system, leading to case dismissals for technical violations and increased case processing times, including for firearm charges. Prior to discovery reform, local district attorneys declined to prosecute or dismissed 32 percent of non-violent felony cases in New York City — that number increased to nearly 52 percent in 2024.

Ending gun violence continues to be Mayor Adams’ top priority. In his first month in office, in January 2022, Mayor Adams released the “Blueprint to End Gun Violence,” which laid out his priorities to immediately address the crisis of guns on New York City streets. Pursuant to the blueprint, in March 2022, the NYPD launched its Neighborhood Safety Teams to focus on gun violence prevention in areas that account for a disproportionate amount of citywide shootings.

Mayor Adams’ comprehensive gun violence strategy also includes upstream solutions guided by the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force he established in June 2022, which focuses on diversion programs, prevention efforts, and expanded opportunities for young people — all targeting the root causes of gun violence to ensure a safer environment for all New Yorkers. The task force’s commitments are formalized in the “Blueprint for Community Safety,” an investment of nearly $500 million to create safer, more resilient communities, with a focus on intervention and prevention.

The Adams administration also leads the Gun Violence Strategies Partnership, a 30+ multi-agency law enforcement partnership focused on strengthening investigations and prosecutions of the most severe gun offenders who drive violence in New York City. Members of the team meet every weekday morning to review felony gun violence arrests from the previous 24 hours and share intelligence to ensure perpetrators are held accountable and New Yorkers are kept safe. The partnership reviewed more than 700 cases in 2024, resulting in 85.5 percent of individuals being held on bail or remanded.

Today’s announcement continues to build on Mayor Adams’ “End the Culture of Anything Goes” campaign, which highlights the work the administration has done to date to change the culture and laws that prevented people with severe mental illness from getting the help they needed, while simultaneously making the investments necessary to support outreach, harm reduction, wraparound services, and housing — all in an effort to make lasting impacts in lives and communities. Mayor Adams is bringing the same energy and approach that proved to be successful in carving a new path to help people with severe mental illness to address other health crises, like gun violence, playing out on city streets.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams present Keys to the City to New York to physician and humanitarian Dr. Hari Krishna Shukla and activist and businessman Fernando Mateo on Monday, December 29, 2025. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

TRANSCRIPT: MAYOR ADAMS HOSTS GUATEMALAN HERITAGE RECEPTION

Mayor Eric Adams: Thank you, thank you. And first of all, thank you so much for gracing us here at Gracie Mansion with your presence. This community, the Guatemalan community, means so much to us. I want to thank the counsel general. We met a few weeks ago, and I was told that we never acknowledged this community here at Gracie Mansion, and we said we’re going to get it done before I leave office, and we got it done. We got it done. 

But I want you to think about this for a moment. As a matter of fact, I want someone to translate, just in case I have non-English speakers, okay? Because this is very important. Understand who you are. When I was in Guatemala, I went to Tikal. Tikal is one of the strongest Mayan cities. And what the Mayans meant to humankind and their contributions cannot be measured.

So, if you were great as the strength of the Mayan people, then that greatness does not dissipate over time. You’re still great now. And I want you to know, you contribute to this city, you believe in family, you believe in faith, you believe in small business, and you believe in the future of your children.

So, I’m probably the only mayor in [the] history of New York that’s been to Guatemala. And so, based on that, I’m an honorary Guatemalan. So, that makes me not only your mayor, it makes me your brother. And if we are brothers and sisters and brothers and brothers, then you have the first Guatemalan mayor. Congratulations.

So, our last heritage day here at Gracie Mansion is your community. It is a symbol of our love and our respect and your contribution to this great city. Mi casa, su casa.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams hosts a reception celebrating Guatemalan culture and heritage. Gracie Mansion. Monday, December 29, 2025. Photo Credit: Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES $2 MILLION EMERGENCY FUND TO FURTHER SUPPORT TRANSGENDER, GENDER NONCONFORMING, AND NONBINARY NEW YORKERS 

Funds Will Support 20 Nonprofit Organizations Delivering Care to LGBTQ+ Community

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced a $2 million emergency fund to support organizations serving transgender, gender nonconforming, or nonbinary (TGNCNB) New Yorkers. The funding, which is the first of its kind in the nation, will be administered by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), and is intended to support community-based organizations that offer an array of inclusive, responsive, and affirming services to TGNCNB New Yorkers that meet urgent community needs, including services related to health and wellness, legal advocacy, youth and family support, safety and crisis response, community building, and economic empowerment. Up to $92,000 will be made available to approximately 20 experienced organizations that are positioned to continue delivering these services in 2026. The funds may be used for program purposes — including personnel, travel, supplies, and services — and the majority of clients served with these funds should be TGNCNB individuals. The application period is now open through January 5, 2026.

“Our administration will always ensure that members of the LGBTQ+ community are protected and have access to the care they need and deserve,” said Mayor Adams. “With this announcement of $2 million in emergency relief to providers who serve transgender, gender nonconforming and gender nonbinary New Yorkers, we are putting our money where our values are and stepping up to serve those who need our care.”

“We saw a need after federal budget cuts, and we are responding to it,” said First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro. “There are essential services at stake for this community. Therefore, it was an imperative for us to take action and fill that need.”

“Actions by the federal government to reduce access to critical, evidence-based health care for transgender and gender-nonconforming people is unconscionable,” said DOHMH Acting Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “Supporting New York’s community organizations that provide lifesaving services and are eligible for the emergency funds is a key part of the Health Department’s commitment to supporting the health and well-being of all New Yorkers.”

Globally and locally, TGNCNB individuals experience significant barriers to accessing affirming health care and social services, including structural inequities and stigma enacted through personal, institutional, and societal practices. These barriers may be amplified for individuals who are Black, Latino, adolescents, have disabilities, or have other identities that result in social marginalization.

Many community-based organizations that offer affirming services to transgender, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary New Yorkers are under significant strain as they grapple with growing demand, funding uncertainty, shifting policies, and threats to the rights and safety of their staff and clients. Supporting and sustaining the impactful work of TGNCNB-serving organizations is critical to ensuring that TGNCNB individuals can continue to access affirming spaces, safety, and life-sustaining care.

The goals of this program are to promote the health, safety, and well-being of transgender, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary New Yorkers through maintaining and expanding access to health care, housing, legal, safety, and economic services, as well as to opportunities to foster and sustain community and social support; to protect the capacity and sustainability of organizations serving TGNCNB New Yorkers, including those led and staffed by TGNCNB individuals; and to maintain the availability of services tailored to the needs of TGNCNB individuals across all five boroughs.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene maintains the NYC Health Map, which includes an online directory of LGBTQ+ knowledgeable mental health providers, as well as LGBTQ+ Health and Transgender Health resources. Through the NYC Health Map, New Yorkers can also find LGBTQ-knowledgeable providers who can offer services in primary care, sexual health care, and gender affirming care.

The Adams administration is committed to affirming and protecting individuals who identify as transgender, gender nonconforming, or gender nonbinary. In 2022, together with the NYC Unity Project, the Mayor’s Office of Equity & Racial Justice and the New York City Department for Youth and Community Development, Mayor Adams announced investments in The Pride Health Center at NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Judson — one of seven centers in the city’s public health system providing culturally-sensitive, gender-affirming care to LGBTQ+ patients. These investments enhanced community and mental health programming, provided staff training, renovated the clinic’s second floor to create community spaces, and expanded access to confidential HIV prevention services.

In June 2023, Mayor Adams signed a groundbreaking executive order for a transgender safe haven policy to protect people who seek or provide gender affirming care. The executive order prevents the use of city resources to detain any individual who is providing or receiving gender-affirming health care services in the five boroughs. Additionally, the executive order denies the City of New York from using its resources to cooperate with any prosecution or investigation by another state related toan individual for providing or receiving gender-affirming care.

Also, in June 2023, Mayor Adams announced a new mechanism and process to reexamine homicide cases with LGBTQIA+ victims through a partnership between the New York City Police Department and the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes.

In May 2025, all five long-term care facilities earned the “LGBTQ+ Long-Term Care Equality Leader” designation in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and SAGE’s Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI). The LEI is the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey of residential long-term care and senior housing communities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of LGBTQ+ residents, visitors, and employees.

In October 2025, the City of New York announced a lawsuit filed against the U.S. Department of Education (U.S. DOE) to protect $47 million in federal grant funding to New York City Public Schools after the U.S. DOE directed New York City Public Schools to violate both state and local law by overhauling its position on bathroom and locker room policies for transgender students.

Finally, NYC Health + Hospitals was the first municipal health care system to mandate LGBTQ+ training for all staff members in 2011. In 2014, NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan became the first municipal hospital to open a health care center dedicated to the needs of LGBTQ+ patients. Today, all 18 eligible facilities have earned the “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader” designation in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) — a recognition these facilities have received every year since 2015. The HEI is the leading national benchmarking tool for LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and best practices in health care facilities.

New Yorkers experiencing discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity can file a complaint with the New York City Commission on Human Rights. For immediate mental health support, call or text 988 or visit nyc.gov/988. Trained counselors are available 24/7 by phone in over 200 languages and by text and chat services are available in English and Spanish.

The complete redevelopment of the market is expected to generate 2,000 construction jobs as well as preserve the good-paying jobs already on the location. All designs are conceptual. Credit: Aurora Contractors, LLC.

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President and CEO Andrew Kimball, and the Hunts Point Terminal Produce Cooperative Association (Hunts Point Produce Cooperative) today announced a historic agreement to advance the redevelopment of the Hunts Point Produce Market in the Bronx. Backed by $405 million in city, state, federal funding, and an anticipated federal loan, the project will create a new state-of-the-art, intermodal food distribution facility, improve air quality for nearly 13,000 Bronx residents who live on the Hunts Point Peninsula, and generate more than 2,000 new construction jobs, as well as preserve the good-paying jobs already at the current market. Following a competitive procurement process announced in March, NYCEDC has conditionally selected Aurora-Primus — a joint venture design-build firm with Aurora Contractors, LLC and Primus Builders, Inc. as principal entities — to execute the project. Over the next six months, the parties will work together to advance the project design and make sure the operational needs of the Hunts Point Produce Cooperative can be met at a financially sustainable cost.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2026. Once constructed by NYCEDC, the new facility will be leased by the Hunts Point Produce Cooperative. The creation of a brand new Hunts Point Produce Market fulfills key commitments outlined in Mayor Adams’s “Hunts Point Forward Plan,” “PlaNYC: Getting Sustainability Done,” and the “Green Economy Action Plan.”

“If you want to see the future of New York City, look to Hunts Point. With cleaner air, cutting-edge technology, and good-paying jobs for working-class New Yorkers, the new Hunts Point Produce Market represents the smart, forward-looking investments our administration has made every day in office,” said Mayor Adams. “This new facility will help transport food from farms upstate to tables all across our city — reducing emissions, creating jobs, and bolstering our supply chain. When we came into office, we promised to build the cleaner, more affordable future Hunts Point deserved, and, with today’s announcement, we are delivering on that promise once again.”

“New York state is proud to invest $130 million in the complete transformation of the Hunts Point Produce Market — a facility that feeds millions of New Yorkers every day,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “This redevelopment will deliver cleaner air and better health outcomes for Bronx families, create thousands of good-paying construction jobs, and build a first-of-its-kind all-electric food distribution hub that sets the standard for sustainable infrastructure nationwide.”

“This transformation of Hunts Point will bring thousands of jobs, over $400 million in government investments, and massive economic opportunities to the Bronx. Hunts Point’s Food Distribution Center is responsible for 12 percent of NYC’s food, and today’s announcement is a commitment to the wellbeing of all New Yorkers,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Adolfo Carrión, Jr. “As a proud son of the Bronx, this announcement is personal to me. For decades, the Bronx has seen devastating disinvestment. Today we take a critical step in securing the market’s future and ensuring the Bronx fulfills its promise as a place of opportunity and prosperity.”

“Today is a historic day for Hunts Point, the Bronx, and all of New York City. Through a new agreement with the Hunts Point Terminal Produce Market Cooperative Association, NYCEDC is proud to advance a complete redevelopment of the Produce Market that will fully modernize the aging facility, preserve thousands of good-paying jobs for New Yorkers, and dramatically improve the quality of life for Hunts Point residents by reducing truck traffic and improving air quality,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Kimball. “With $405 million committed in city, state, and federal grants as well as an anticipated federal loan, a redeveloped Produce Market will bring huge benefits to New York City. NYCEDC looks forward to working with all of the elected officials who made this possible, alongside the Hunts Point Terminal Produce Cooperative Association and its businesses in transforming a vital link in New York City’s food supply chain.”

Today’s announcement fulfills several key commitments in Mayor Adams’ PlaNYC: Getting Sustainability Done, Green Economy Action Plan and Hunts Point Forward plan. Announced in 2022 by Mayor Adams and Hunts Point community leaders, Hunts Point Forward is a comprehensive plan to create economic opportunity and improve quality of life for New Yorkers in the Hunts Point neighborhood of the South Bronx. The plan is backed by a $40 million commitment from Mayor Adams and outlines a 15-year vision shared by the city and the community with more than 70 short- and long-term recommendations for creating family-sustaining jobs, improving public safety, enhancing community health and access to healthy food, promoting environmental justice, and delivering upgrades to open space, transportation, and other key community infrastructure.

Hunts Point is also a critical node in the Adams administration’s “Blue Highways ” initiative to move more freight off city streets and onto waterways. A new Blue Highway facility, announced in partnership with Con Agg Global, will be located adjacent to the Fulton Fish Market in the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center and will greatly reduce the need for trucks for material and food and beverage transportation to and from the Bronx. A second Blue Highway facility, known as the Hunts Point Marine Terminal, was unveiled by the Adams administration earlier this year at the site of the decommissioned and now-removed Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center. This second facility will move cargo from shipping containers onto additional barges and ferries for last-mile deliveries throughout New York City.

“On behalf of the Hunts Point Produce Market and its more than two dozen independent businesses, we are grateful to the City of New York for its partnership and commitment to the future of this vital facility,” said Hunts Point Produce Market Co-President Stephen Katzman. “This agreement represents an important milestone and creates a clear framework for the next phase of work as we advance planning and design for a modern, more sustainable market that supports our mission of feeding New York City with fresh produce from around the world. We thank Mayor Adams and his administration, Governor Hochul, and our city, state, and federal partners for their leadership and collaboration, and we look forward to continuing this work together with the incoming city administration as the project moves forward.”

“This lease signing at the Hunts Point Produce Market will enable the produce market to incorporate an electric, intermodal food distribution facility, which will reduce truck emissions, cut pollution, and help to directly address the asthma crisis that has impacted families that live near Hunts Point while helping to solidify the regional food system” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “I want to thank NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball for his partnership and vision and all the dedicated small businesses owners at the market for their longstanding dedication to supporting and modernizing the Produce Market. Together, we are proving that economic development, sustainability, and public health can and must go hand in hand.”

“Today’s historic agreement to fully redevelop the Hunts Point Produce Market is a game-changer for the Bronx, New York City, and the entire tri-state area’s food ecosystem,” said New York City Councilmember Rafael Salamanca. “After years of negotiations, Mayor Eric Adams, NYCEDC, and the Hunts Point Terminal Produce Cooperative have agreed on a long-overdue commitment to collaboratively bring the Market into the 21st century. Backed by $405 million in funding, this deal will facilitate a state-of-the-art, green, intermodal produce market that strengthens our supply chain, improves air quality for nearly 13,000 residents of the Hunts Point Peninsula, and preserves and creates thousands of good-paying jobs. Historically, Hunts Point has been overlooked by past mayoral administrations; today, it stands at the center of this administration’s vision for sustainability, equity, and economic growth. For me, this is personal. As the son of a Teamsters Local 202 union member who worked at the Market for nearly two decades, this redevelopment proves that when the city leads with purpose, communities like Hunts Point don’t just catch up, they lead from the front.”

“Hunts Point Produce Market is a cornerstone of New York’s food distribution system. This investment will modernize aging infrastructure, eliminate harmful diesel emissions that have burdened this community for too long, and strengthen the businesses and workers at the heart of our food supply chain,” said Hope Knight, president, CEO, and commissioner, Empire State Development. “The ESD is proud to partner with the city and the Cooperative to build a facility that’s cleaner, more efficient, and built to serve New York for decades to come.”

“The Community Board is proud to see this long-awaited redevelopment of the Hunts Point Produce Market move forward,” said Ralph Acevedo, district manager, Bronx Community Board 2. “This historic investment represents a major step toward cleaner air, safer streets, and a stronger local economy for Hunts Point residents. We look forward to continuing to work with the city, the Cooperative, and our community to ensure this project delivers lasting benefits for the South Bronx.”

“The Hunts Point Produce Market plays a critical role in New York City’s food supply chain, and the Aurora / Primus partnership is proud and excited to have been selected as the design-build construction manager for this project,” said Michael Adler, director of business, Aurora Contractors, Inc. “Our collective strength in design-build delivery, cold storage, and NYC construction experience will help drive speed, efficiency, and collaboration as we work with all stakeholders to deliver a facility that serves the community for decades to come.”

Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch brief New Yorkers on New Years Eve safety. NYPD Times Square Substation, Manhattan. Tuesday, December 30, 2025. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES NEW CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION TO
CREATE A MORE INCLUSIVE, THRIVING DEMOCRACY

New Commission Will Examine Whether to Bring Open Primaries and
Non-Partisan Elections to New York City Local Elections

Commissioners Include Widely Respected New York Leaders, Including Former State Senate Minority Leader, Former Public Advocate, Former New York City Councilmember, Former Commissioner, Public Servants, Faith Leaders, Community Organizers, and More

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the appointment of a Charter Revision Commission (CRC) that will be tasked with reviewing the New York City Charter and determining how to make New York City’s municipal government more responsive and transparent to the city’s residents. More specifically, the CRC — led by Chair Martin Connor, former New York state senator — will examine whether open primaries and non-partisan elections will make New York City’s municipal government more inclusive, accessible, and democratic. The CRC announced today follows two previous CRCs convened by Mayor Adams which proposed successful ballot initiatives to protect public safety, create cleaner streets, transform the city’s approach to housing, and more.

“New Yorkers deserve a city government that listens to every voice, hears every concern, and embraces every community. This historic commission will bring together trailblazing leaders from across the five boroughs to examine our city’s charter and explore ways to create a more inclusive, democratic city government,” said Mayor Adams. “I want to personally thank the men and women who are stepping up to serve on this commission, including Chair Martin Connor and I look forward to hearing their ideas for creating a city government that works better for all New Yorkers.”

“Making sure every voter has an equal say in our city’s governance is a goal that is always worth pursuing. I am looking forward to hearing from every corner of New York about the best way to achieve this,” said prominent election lawyer Martin Connor, former State Senate Minority Leader, who will co-chair this commission.

Martin Connor (Chair)

Martin Connor is a former minority leader of the New York State Senate, representing Brooklyn, New York. He was first elected to the State Senate in a special election in 1978 and served in the body until 2008. While serving in office, Connor advocated for progressive causes to create a more transparent, accessible state government. Connor also serves as an election lawyer and has represented candidates at every level of government, including local, state, congressional, and presidential campaigns. He received a B.A. in politics from the Catholic University of America and a J.D. from the Catholic University of America School of Law.

Pastor Tashyra Ayers

Pastor Tashyra Ayers serves as a corporate liaison, business owner, and communications strategist, working with executives, entrepreneurs, and employees on professional communications. In 2023, Ayers production company, The House of Genesis, was recognized by JP Morgan Chase’s Entrepreneurship program. At The House of Genesis, Ayers’ team has worked with Campbell’s Soup, Nike, Suzuki, iHeart Media, KIPP Charter Schools, the New York Academy of Medicine, and more. Ayers studied communications at Delaware State University and Rowan College. She holds an A.A. in Communications and a B.A. in Biblical Studies and in Community Transformation & Social Engagement.

Ramone S. Buford, a/k/a Shams DaBaron

Shams DaBaron is a visionary leader, writer, and changemaker dedicated to redefining homelessness and housing solutions in New York City. Having experienced homelessness as a child after being discharged from the foster care system at age 12, DaBaron has emerged as a powerful voice for his community and beyond. He gained widespread recognition during the public debate over the Lucerne Hotel, a temporary shelter where he lived during the pandemic, and has since led efforts to tackle housing and homelessness across the city. Drawing from his lived experience, DaBaron collaborates with impacted individuals, elected officials, faith leaders, and other stakeholders to champion policies and services that uplift vulnerable New Yorkers. His vision is to create a more inclusive, equitable, and vibrant New York City for all. DaBaron previously served as a commissioner on the 2025 Charter Revision Commission.

Bishop Ismael Claudio

Bishop Dr. Ismael Claudio is a distinguished faith leader, community advocate, and bridge builder whose career spans more than three decades of service across ministry, civic engagement, and international leadership. He currently serves as the senior faith liaison for the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs, where he strengthens partnerships between Houses of Worship and the City of New York, and has also supported the mayor as a Spanish-language translator.

Since 2022, Bishop Claudio has served as clergy liaison to the NYPD. His commitment to unity also guided his work as founder and CEO of the Uniting Clergy Community and Police Coalition, where he advanced citywide collaboration between faith institutions, community centers, and the NYPD. A lifelong minister, Bishop Claudio has served as senior pastor of his congregation since 1996 and holds extensive leadership roles within the International Pentecostal Churches of Jesus. He holds advanced theological and humanitarian degrees, including a Doctorate of Humanity.

Alfred Curtis

Alfred B. Curtis Jr. previously served as president and CEO of the United Nations Development Corporation, a multi-million public benefit corporation established by the New York State Legislature to develop and operate facilities for the United Nations community in New York City. Curtis also served as commissioner of the New York City Department of Youth & Community Development/New York City Department of Youth Services — the first African American from Staten Island appointed commissioner of a New York City agency — and served as executive director of the city’s Inter-Agency Coordinating Council on Youth. Before entering public service, Curtis worked as an executive at Chemical Bank/JP Morgan Chase. He graduated from the College of Staten Island with degrees in Economics and Business Administration.

Betsy Gotbaum

Betsy Gotbaum has led a distinguished career in both the private and public sectors, serving two terms as New York City public advocate. In that role, Gotbaum led on major policy areas, including hunger, housing, child welfare, education, and women’s issues. Gotbaum also served as an advisor to three mayors, a financial executive developing capital for start-up entrepreneurial firms, commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, and president of the prestigious New-York Historical Society. A native New Yorker, Gotbaum attended Barnard College and received her B.A. from George Washington University in 1961.

Denis M. Hughes

Denis Hughes is chairman and class c director of the New York Federal Reserve Board, as well as former president of the 2.5-million-member New York State AFL-CIO. In 2003, Hughes was elected to the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and currently serves as chair of the Management and Budget Committee. He is also a member of the Audit Committee of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. He joined the New York State AFL-CIO staff in 1985 as a political director, and in February 1990 was appointed to the position of executive assistant to the president. He received his B.S. from the State University of New York, Empire State College.

Peter Koo

Peter Koo currently serves as a deputy commissioner in the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit. Previously, he served as a senior advisor to the deputy mayor for public safety and as a member of the New York City Council, representing Queen’s 20^th District for over 10 years. A former pharmacist, Koo received a B.S. from the University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy and a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Hawaii.

Fernando Mateo

Fernando Mateo is a businessman and community activist. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York City, Mateo founded the Mateo Institute to teach trades to non-violent offenders at Rikers Island. For his work, Mateo was awarded the Points of Light Award in 1991 by President George H.W. Bush. In 1993, Mateo founded the “Toys for Guns” program to remove guns from the streets and served as president of the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers. Mateo also helped found the United Bodegas of America.

Kayla Mamelak Altus

Kayla Mamelak Altus most recently served as press secretary to Mayor Adams. Before that, she served as a deputy press secretary to Mayor Adams. Before her stint in public service, Mamelak Altus was an on-air TV reporter at Fox5 New York, as well as other local outlets. Mamelak Altus received her B.A. from Boston University.

Pastor Gilford Monrose

Pastor Gilford Monrose currently serves as the executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships. He is also the lead pastor of Mt. Zion Church of God 7^th Day and founder of two Brooklyn-based nonprofit organizations, The 67^th Precinct Clergy Council Inc. — also known as “The GodSquad” — fighting to end gun violence as well as the Brooklyn Center for Quality Life. Pastor Monrose received his B.A. from Alliance University.

Sheikh Musa Drammeh

Sheikh Musa Drammeh is the founder of Muslim Media Corporation that publishes Muslim Parrot, New York Parrot, Africa Parrot, Senegambia Times, the Bronx Post, and Parkchester Times Newspapers. He is also the founder of Lifestyle Lifespan that coordinates New York Healthy Lifestyle campaign, which was adopted by New York City Public Schools in the Bronx in 2020, and the designation of October as Healthy Lifestyle Month in the state of New York by legislators in 2022. He and his wife founded and managed the first and only full-time parochial Islamic K-12 school in the Bronx since 2001. He led the founding of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Diversity, Unity and Peace Institute, Inc. He founded the investment banking firm Sahara Associates, executive produces the Muslim Community Report and Public Emergency Management Adherence television shows on Bronxnet Television, and created Adopt-A-Friend, Inc.   

Menashe Shapiro

Menashe Shapiro has over a decade of campaign and government experience focused mainly on New York City and surrounding areas. Most recently, Shapiro served as deputy chief of staff and senior advisor to Mayor Adams, where he focused on intergovernmental and external affairs, housing and economic development, and New York City’s response to the asylum seeker crisis. Prior to that, Shapiro served as a campaign consultant to many state and municipal candidates, including Eric Adams and Michael Bloomberg’s mayoral elections, as well as issue based 501©4 campaigns. Shapiro earned a B.A. cum laude in economics from Yeshiva University, and a J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. 

Robert S. Tucker

With over 30 years of experience in public service and security consulting, Robert Tucker previously served as commissioner of the Fire Department of the City of New York and as CEO of T&M USA, LLC, a New York City-based global provider of premium protection and investigative services. Tucker is also an engaged and active philanthropist, serving on the boards of several organizations that support public safety, education, and health care. He is passionate about making a positive impact on his community and society through his work and leadership. Tucker has been honored by the New York Board of Rabbis and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City. He is a graduate of The George Washington University and Pace University School of Law.

Jackie Rowe Adams

Jackie Rowe Adams is a life-long resident of Harlem, New York. Rowe Adams has worked with the Police Athletic League and the City of New York Parks and Recreation Department. She has served on numerous community boards, including Community Board 10, Community Board 12, and the Civic Association Serving Harlem. She has been president of the District 5 School Board, president of Local 299, vice president of District Council 37, and former Board chairperson of New York Health + Hospital/Gotham Health – Sydenham Community Advisory Board, where currently she is the chair of Sydenham’s Patient Liaison Committee and co-chair of the Legislative Committee. She is also on the boards of the Addicts Rehabilitation Center, Harlem Week, Inc., and Project Harmony, and is a member of the Mid-Manhattan NAACP. Rowe-Adams has also been appointed to several political boards, including the COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Task Force, New York County District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s Public Safety and Justice Transition Committee, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ Public Safety and Justice Transition Committee. She previously served on the 2024 Charter Revision Commission.

Banner Image:  New York City Mayor Eric Adams today awarded the Key to the City of New York to 60-year veteran journalist Marvin Scott — a New York State Broadcasters Hall of Famer, 14-time Emmy award winner, and recent Governors Award winner — in recognition of his lifelong impact on the city he continues to serve. Scott is a Bronx native that has been a cornerstone of New York broadcast news for more than five decades. Since joining WPIX in 1980, he has served as anchor, reporter, host, producer, and senior correspondent. Friday Dec 26th 2025. Image Credit: Justin Persaud/Mayoral Photography Office.