Outrage Over Mayor Mamdani’s Stay-at-Home Policy for the Homeless
Critics are expressing frustration over Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s stay-at-home policy, which they argue neglects homeless New Yorkers during extremely cold temperatures. These critics are urging the city to take greater measures to safeguard those most vulnerable.
Despite a rising winter death toll that has reached 18, the administration appears unfazed. This is notable, especially as mayors from other large cities, who have received praise from Mamdani, have introduced measures to protect residents.
“When people are in immediate danger, there shouldn’t be any debate. Ideological divisions shouldn’t dictate policies during a ‘Code Blue,’” stated Brian Stettin, a senior adviser in Mayor Eric Adams’ administration.
Stettin referenced a case reported in the Post of a homeless woman enduring dangerously low temperatures, vowing that situations like hers should not just be tolerated. “They should utilize every resource to get them indoors. This is about protecting rights and safety. There shouldn’t be discussions with advocates about that,” he added.
Remarkably, the homeless woman survived the extreme cold, even as conditions in the area were reportedly colder than Antarctica. First responders revealed to the Post that city guidelines prevented them from offering assistance.
The Post approached the woman, who was situated in a makeshift shelter on East 34th Street, across from NYU Langone Hospital, but she did not respond to inquiries. Local store patrons claimed she had been there for years, without any intervention since Saturday.
City Hall officials briefed council members over the weekend, yet little was disclosed about the policy regarding involuntary removals, according to council sources.
Officials from the mayor’s office claimed they were constrained by a “last resort” policy, which allows for forced removals only when someone poses a danger to themselves or others.
In contrast, Baltimore’s Mayor Brandon Scott, whom Mamdani has complimented for his crime reduction strategies, deemed the cold a life-threatening situation. He ordered police to remove people from the streets regardless of their willingness to accept services.
Scott remarked, “That directive came from me because we can’t have people out in this type of weather.”
A City Hall spokesperson contended that comparisons with Baltimore were unfounded, citing differences in state laws.
Yet, former City Comptroller Scott Stringer contended that Scott’s method is sensible, emphasizing the urgent need for action. He pointed out that the current removal policy is highly subjective and that the mayor holds significant power in its interpretation.
“When you bring them in, you worry about the court case later,” Stringer said. “The pressing issue is whether people can endure the night’s temperatures. That’s Baltimore’s position.”
Stringer expressed confusion over the complexity of the decision-making process, stating, “It’s pretty straightforward. When lives are at stake, why isn’t this an easy choice?”
City Hall spokeswoman Dora Pekek indicated that Administrator Mamdani has not modified any removal policies set during the Adams administration.
Another official mentioned that while the Sanitation Department was tasked with “cleaning up,” employees have been explicitly directed to refrain from dismantling homeless encampments, which marks a shift from previous policies.
Instead, sanitation workers are instructed to organize the belongings of encampment residents while no efforts are made to clear snow from sidewalks.
“It’s complete disarray. Sanitation now operates more like a maid service for the homeless,” voiced concern from another council member.
