Controversy on Central Park West

Former Manhattan borough president Ruth Messenger is stirring up tension among her affluent neighbors by covering their upscale Upper West Side buildings with flyers promoting leftist candidates like Zoran Mamdani, who advocates for taxing the wealthy. It seems that 91 residents of Central Park West, a posh 15-story building with a storied past, have received this political literature multiple times recently.

“We believe in him [Mamdani]. We are most committed to making New York more affordable and fairer,” reads one of the flyers, which Messenger, 84, co-signed with former Congressman Richard Gottfried.

The flyers also mention that those opposing Mamdani are linked to “the forces closest to Trump.” This claim has raised eyebrows among the building residents, where notable figures—like actor Liam Neeson—have called home. The flyers include voting information, and it appears that those favored by Messenger and Gottfried were selected based on their ability to resist Trump.

Residents have expressed outrage, with one self-identified Democrat describing the materials as “bizarre, stupid, insulting, and upsetting.” Another added, “They didn’t explain why they support him; it’s just a strange conspiracy theory presented as reasoning.”

Concerns about taxes linger in these conversations. “How much do you want to tax the wealthy before they leave town?” one resident questioned, noting the already high taxes in the area. This leads to a worrying dilemma for many: how much is truly enough?

The duo has also voiced support for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a move that some residents found to be presumptuous. “It’s a form of conversion,” one remarked, reflecting another neighbor’s sentiment that such political campaigning in their building is inappropriate.

The building’s managing agent has issued a letter criticizing the distribution of these political materials, deeming it unacceptable. In response, Messenger defended her actions, stating that the flyers were an answer to inquiries from residents seeking voting information. “This is not proselytizing,” she insisted, emphasizing the importance of sharing information that residents could choose to agree with or not.

She also claimed she wouldn’t repeat the distribution unless asked again, acknowledging the building management’s request to curb these flyers. However, real estate broker Julie Kopel suggested that disseminating personal political views in such a manner can mislead residents about the building’s stance, marking it as inappropriate.

Meanwhile, Gottfried mentioned he has been sending similar “Dear Neighbor” flyers for years without pushback—until this particular campaign. “Some people are angry that our letter supports Mamdani,” he admitted, adding to the ongoing discord.