New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday sought to reassure critics of cuts to the city’s public library system, saying they are still in the “negotiation phase” of a new budget and that the final result “will satisfy everyone.” I will,” he claimed.
Hizner blasted the decision not to include $58 million in library cuts in the new $111.6 billion spending plan during an appearance on PIX11 Thursday morning.
“This is part of the negotiation,” Adams said of library cuts that would shorten hours and reduce some outposts to only five days a week.
“We are going to a meeting [with City Council] “Where do we shake hands? … We understand the importance of the city’s library,” he added, adding that “everyone will be happy” with the final arrangement.
Adams came under fire Wednesday for suggesting that libraries should tap into “significant endowments” to fill the gap.
But critics pointed out that the donations had significant limitations and could not be used for operating expenses.
The first cuts occurred in November 2023, when the city was grappling with rising costs from the immigration crisis, and became a major flash point between the mayor and City Council.
“City Council President Adrian Adams and City Council Finance Chair Justin Brannan said, “The executive budget includes critical support for key mental health services, recidivism reduction programs, and libraries that the city desperately needs.” We are disappointed that there is not,” said City Council President Adrian Adams and Council Finance Chair Justin Brannan. Wednesday.
But during an interview Thursday morning, Adams said he was more interested in touting his administration’s “wise choices” that he claims have stabilized the city’s economy post-coronavirus and in the face of immigration issues. was.
“In the great city of New York, anything is possible. Dreams come true in New York!” When asked about the library cut, he grins.
