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Following Mayor Eric Adams’ federal indictment for bribery and fraud, local leaders, including the Queens Civic Congress, are calling for an immediate halt to the “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” initiative.
By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
In response to the federal indictment of New York City Mayor Eric Adams on charges including bribery and fraud, local leaders are calling for an immediate suspension of the “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” initiative. The Queens Civic Congress (QCC) has voiced strong opposition to the expedited legislative process that seeks to increase development and density without sufficient community input.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted by a grand jury on federal charges, including bribery, fraud, and soliciting political contributions from a foreign national, according to sources familiar with the case. The indictment, unsealed on Sept 26, marks a historic moment as Adams, 64, becomes the first sitting mayor in New York City history to face criminal charges.
The legal troubles come after a months-long investigation that has seen multiple searches, subpoenas, and the resignation of top city officials, pushing the administration into crisis.
Federal investigators had previously seized Adams’ electronic devices nearly a year ago, focusing on his campaign contributions and interactions with the Turkish government. The details of the indictment remain sealed, leaving questions about the connection between these matters and the current charges.
Adams, a former police captain, was elected nearly three years ago as the city’s second Black mayor, campaigning on his working-class roots and commitment to public safety. However, as crime reduction has been a cornerstone of his administration, Adams has faced increasing legal scrutiny, with investigations targeting both his campaign and senior aides.
In recent weeks, significant departures from his administration included the resignations of the police commissioner and the schools chancellor, both of whom were appointed by Adams.
If Adams were to resign, city public advocate Jumaane Williams would step in and schedule a special election. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has the authority to remove Adams from office.
According to the indictment, Adams allegedly accepted luxurious travel perks facilitated by a senior Turkish official, who also arranged for straw donations to his campaign. Adams and his associates reportedly received free or discounted flights on Turkey’s national airline, as well as complimentary accommodations and meals during trips to various countries, including France, China, and Turkey.
In return, Adams allegedly pressured the New York City Fire Department to expedite the opening of Turkey’s new consular building, despite it not undergoing a required fire inspection.
Federal investigations into Adams’ administration became public in November 2023, following a raid on the home of his chief fundraiser. Adams has maintained that he abides by the law and expressed shock at any potential wrongdoing by his campaign staff. Since then, investigations have extended to his closest advisors and city officials.
Adams is charged with five criminal counts, the most serious being wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Other charges include soliciting and accepting a bribe, conspiracy, and soliciting contributions from foreign nationals, each with significant prison terms.
As legal challenges mount, Adams’ popularity has waned, despite some economic improvements in the city. Hours before the indictment announcement, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez publicly called for his resignation, a move Adams dismissed as self-righteous.
Adams has emphasized his commitment to serving the city as the investigations proceed.
The Queens Civic Congress (QCC) is calling for an immediate halt to the legislative process surrounding the “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” in light of the federal indictment of NYC Mayor Eric Adams. The organization opposes the expedited approach taken by Adams and the NYC Planning Commission, which aims to significantly increase development and density without proper community input. QCC argues that these changes bypass crucial zoning regulations and community board procedures, which they believe could dramatically alter the character of local neighborhoods.
“The Queens Civic Congress demands an immediate halt to the legislative process and a thorough investigation into the “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity,” Warren Schreiber, President of the Queens Civic Congress said.
QCC’s stance is backed by a majority of community boards and elected officials at both the state and city levels. After thoroughly examining the proposed zoning changes and the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), the QCC asserts that the process has been rushed and lacks adequate deliberation. Consequently, they are demanding a thorough investigation into the “City of Yes” initiative to ensure community concerns are addressed.
Council Member Robert Holden has formally requested an inquiry into the “City of Yes” proposal, a contentious zoning text amendment. In a letter addressed to key officials, including the U.S. Attorney and the NYC Department of Investigation, Holden raised concerns about potential corruption amid the ongoing investigations surrounding Mayor Eric Adams and his administration. He highlighted the significant opposition from community boards and civic associations, questioning the motivations behind the Mayor’s push for a plan that grants developers extensive authority to overdevelop the city.
“I am writing to formally request an inquiry into potential wrongdoing surrounding the City of Yes proposals, particularly the Housing Opportunity initiative,” Holden said in his letter. “Given Mayor Eric Adams’s historic indictment and the recent allegations and ongoing investigations regarding the Adams Administration, I believe there may be special interests at play in this matter.”
Holden called for an investigation into possible improprieties, conflicts of interest, or any indications of a “pay-to-play” scheme associated with the proposal. He argued that the culture of corruption in City Hall, particularly following Adams’ historic indictment, raises serious doubts about the integrity of the decision-making process. Prior to the indictments, Holden had urged a halt to the proposal, advocating for it to be addressed in future elections rather than rushed through despite widespread community disapproval.
“New Yorkers from every corner of our city are joining us in saying ‘yes.’ From housing advocates and labor to clergy and New Yorkers who were on the verge of homelessness, everyday people see the importance of advancing bold ideas and big solutions to this current crisis,” Mayor Adams said in his weekly community op-ed. “The proposal also received favorable recommendations from Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. The numbers show that these proposals are widely popular. A new poll found that 72 percent of voters approved of the City of Yes when it was explained to them.”
Courtesy NY.gov
Officials argue that the rushed process lacks community input and raises concerns about potential corruption.
