Escape to Long Island

Nassau County officials introduced a marketing initiative aimed at attracting New York City residents and businesses who are apprehensive about the new leadership of Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani, whose policies are considered leftist.

County Executive Bruce Blakeman highlighted Nassau’s exceptional schools and safe neighborhoods, criticizing Mamdani’s “deeply disturbing” agenda. He shared that many people, during conversations, expressed concerns and sought recommendations for real estate agents and information about local schools. “Someone even asked me yesterday, ‘Which school is the best school?'” he mentioned during a press event at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building.

Blakeman noted he has received inquiries from various communities—Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and particularly from Manhattan.

After winning a second term over his Democratic opponent, Blakeman condemned a recent anti-Israel poll as anti-Semitic, with both business and religious leaders expressing unease about Mamdani’s plans.

“Some of Mr. Mamdani’s proposed policies are extremely troubling,” Blakeman stated, flanked by local business figures and real estate agents. A former Hempstead Town Councilman, who is eyeing a gubernatorial run, has also been reaching out to residents dissatisfied with their local governance.

He promoted Nassau’s wide array of beaches and museums, pointing out that property values have risen since his administration began in 2022. The marketing campaign is set to kick off in about two weeks, with Blakeman targeting not only locals but also residents from across the tri-state area looking for a fresh environment.

“We’re going to spread this message not only throughout New York City and the metropolitan area but also nationwide,” he declared.

Concerns have surfaced about whether the city might face an outflux, especially among Jewish residents turned off by some of Mamdani’s views on Israel. Mamdani, a 34-year-old state legislator from Queens, has sparked dialogue about potential demographic shifts in the city.

Nassau County Councilwoman Maj Pilip, speaking at a press conference just nine miles from Queens, emphasized that the region is welcoming to all. “The best county, the best place to live. We welcome everyone…We value our residents,” said the Republican, assuring that Nassau has “the best law enforcement in the country.”