By DAVID GREENE

NATALIE FLORES, PARKCHESTER
Photo by David Greene

This week, we asked readers for their opinions on the recent decision by New York City Mayor Eric Adams to drop out of the mayoral general election.

 

“I’m actually so happy now because now, somebody else [who] actually cares about New York is going to take care of the trains and the older people. With him, everything was a total mess. There was no safety plan and crime was high. The homeless were using drugs with needles; I didn’t feel safe.” [See editor’s note further below.]

Natalie Flores,

Parkchester

CARMEN GONZALEZ, TREMONT 
Photo by David Greene

“I think he was a good candidate and he was a good mayor. He tried to stop the guns and the violence on the trains, and he was trying to help the people with their housing problems. About the [federal corruption] scandals, well, they never found him guilty.” [See editor’s note further below.]

Carmen Gonzalez,

Tremont

NORMAL SEABROOK, MORRIS Park
Photo by David Greene

“I think that the mayor did what he felt was best for the City of New York as opposed to dividing the vote to cause someone that is not someone that believes in the democratic process to take office, so I think that what he did was very courageous. I think that what he did was something that was needed. I think that at the end of the day, when you think about it, I think that we will all be okay if we just learn to put our pride aside and do what’s best for New York.” [See editor’s note further below.]

Norman Seabrook,

Morris Park

CRYSTAL WOLFE, MASPETH, Queens 
Photo courtesy of Crystal Wolfe

“I think it’s unfortunate that Mayor Adams is only dropping out of the race when he should be going to jail for his crimes [as well]. I feel the same about [former Gov. Andrew] Cuomo. It’s demoralizing. Our options for mayor, as most of our political candidates, are a joke. This country is a disappointment to good citizens. The 3% seem to have all the power and they use it for their own greed and gain.” [See editor’s note further below].

Crystal Wolfe,

Maspeth, Queens

MALCOM GRAY, PELHAM Parkway 
Photo courtesy of Malcom Gray

“I believe Mayor Eric Adams has done some great things during his tenure, from expanding summer youth employment opportunities and advancing public safety initiatives, to investing in mental health response teams, and supporting small business recovery after the pandemic. It’s unfortunate that the scandals surrounding his administration have overshadowed many of those successes. I hope this moment serves as a turning point and marks the beginning of a new era of integrity, transparency, and accountability in politics that inspires the next generation of leaders.”

Malcom Gray,

Pelham Parkway

[Democratic Male State Committeeman A.D. 80]

 

Editor’s Note: Citywide crime rates for the seven major felony offenses have actually continued to fall under the Adams administration, though crime is still clearly an issue, especially in certain areas of The Bronx. See attached historical citywide crime statistics attached below for various categories as well as the latest major crime statistics for the 46th, 50th, and 52nd Precincts. 

 

NEW YORK CITY Mayor Eric Adams makes a public safety-related announcement with NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch Jan. 22, 2025. Video courtesy of NYC Mayor’s Office via YouTube

In terms of safety, the mayor launched his blueprint to curb gun violence shortly after his term began in 2022 and the number of illegal guns removed from the City’s streets also continues to accumulate according to NYPD statistics.

 

In August, the city recorded 77 shooting incidents, a 4% increase compared to last August’s record setting lows. However, August 2025 was still the third lowest for shooting incidents in recorded history.

CITYWIDE SEVEN MAJOR Felony Offenses 2016-2024
Statistical Notes                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. 2000-2005 Data Source-Historical OCCB Comfinal data including Complaint Follow-Up data. Compiled from aggregated monthly tapes 2000 thru 2005.
2. 2006-2024 Data Source-CDW Omniform System and S-DD5 System (Complaint Follow Up) data by record create date.
3. Murder & Non-Negligent Manslaughter data source: 2000-2005 Historical Comfinal Data, 2006-2024 Shooting & Homicide Database.
4. 2000-2009 data as of 12/8/2010. 2010 data as of 1/18/2011. 2011 data as of 1/18/2012. 2012 data as of 1/15/2013. 2013 data as of 1/17/2014. 2014 data as of 1/16/2015. 2015 data as of 1/18/2016. 2016 data as of 1/16/2017. 2017 data as of 1/17/2018. 2018 data as of 1/14/2019. 2019 data as of 1/15/2020. 2020 data as of 1/15/2021. 2021 data as of 1/17/2022. 2022 data as of 1/16/2023. 2023 as of 1/15/2024. 2024 as of 1/20/2025.
Source: NYPD

Over the past three and a half years, the NYPD has taken more than 23,445 illegal guns off the city’s streets, including more than 3,685 seized in 2025. In August, murder increased 33% (28 vs. 21) but remains down 19.6% year-to-date compared to the same period last year. 

 

CITYWIDE NON SEVEN Major Felony Offenses 2016-2024                                                                                                                                                                  CRIME CATEGORY NOTES
(1) Total of all top charge Felony Dangerous Drugs arrests made by all arresting agencies. Contains Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal
Sale of Controlled Substance, Criminal Sale Controlled Substance on School Grounds, Criminal Injection Narcotic Drug, Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia,
Criminal Possession of Precursors of Controlled Substance, Criminal Sale of Prescription for Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of Marijuana, and
Criminal Sale of Marijuana
(2) Contains Criminal Possession of Weapon, Criminal Use of Firearm, Manufacture Transport Disposition and Defacement of Weapons, Criminal Sale
of a Firearm, Criminal Sale of Firearm with Aid of Minor, Criminal Sale of Firearm to a Minor,
(3) Contains Criminal Sexual Act, Sexual Abuse, Persistent Sexual Abuse, Agg. Sexual Abuse, Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child, Female Genital Mutilation,
Facilitate Sexual Offense with Controlled Substance, Obscenity, Incest, and Disseminating Indecent Materials to Minors
(4) Contains primarily the Penal Law offenses of Criminal Contempt 1, Reckless Endangerment 1 and Aggravated Harassment 1 as well as Other State Laws (Tax Law, ABC, etc.)
STATISTICAL NOTES
1. 2000-2005 Data Source-Historical OCCB Comfinal data including Complaint Follow-Up data. Compiled from aggregated monthly tapes 2000 thru 2005.
2. 2006-2023 Data Source-CDW Omniform System and S-DD5 System (Complaint Follow Up) data by record create date.
3. 2000-2009 data as of 12/8/2010. 2010 data as of 1/18/2011. 2011 data as of 1/18/2012. 2012 data as of 4/1/2013. 2013 data as of 1/17/2014. 2014 data as of 1/16/2015. 2015 data as of 1/18/2016. 2016 data as of 1/16/2017. 2017 data as of 1/17/2018. 2018 data as of 1/14/2019. 2019 data as of 1/15/2020. 2020 data as of 1/15/2021. 2021 data as of 1/17/2022. 2022 data as of 1/16/2023. 2023 data as of 1/15/2024. 2024 as of 1/20/2025.
Source: NYPD

Adams also introduced different measures to address subway crime (amid some pushback), help protect small business owners from crime, announced funding to address the lack of mental health professionals to address the City’s mental health crisis, expanded housing, tackled drug use, homelessness [amid some pushback], and addiction.

 

CITYWIDE MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES 2016-2024                                                                                                                                                                 CRIME CATEGORY NOTES
(1) Total of all top charge Misdemeanor Dangerous Drugs arrests made by all arresting agencies. Contains Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance, Criminally Possessing a Hypodermic
Instrument, Criminally using Drug Paraphernalia, Criminal Possession of Methamphetamine Manufacturing Material, Criminal Possession of Marijuana, Criminal Sale of Marijuana
(2) Contains Bail Jumping, Perjury, Criminal Contempt, Resisting Arrest, Absconding From Work Release, and Obstructing Governmental Administration
(3) Contains primarily Criminal Impersonation and Identity Theft offenses
(4) Contains Sexual Abuse, Sexual Misconduct, Forcible Touching, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Obscenity
(5) Contains Criminal Possession of Weapon, Criminal Purchase of Weapon, Prohibited Use of Weapons, and Manufacture Transport Disposition and Defacement of Weapons
(6) Contains primarily unclassified offenses in the Administrative Code such as Graffiti violations and cigarettes without a tax stamp
(7) Contains primarily Reckless Endangerment 2, Custodial Inference 2, and Unlawful Imprisonment 2
(8) Contains primarily Prostitution, Gambling, Larceny of Auto, Public Lewdness, and other State Laws (Tax Law, ABC, etc.)
STATISTICAL NOTES
1. 2000-2005 Data Source-Historical OCCB Comfinal data including Complaint Follow-Up data. Compiled from aggregated monthly tapes 2000 thru 2005.
2. 2006-2024 Data Source-CDW Omniform System and S-DD5 System (Complaint Follow-Up) data by record create date.
3. 2000-2009 data as of 12/8/2010. 2010 data as of 1/18/2011. 2011 data as of 1/18/2012. 2012 data as of 4/1/2013. 2013 data as of 1/17/2014. 2014 data as of 1/16/2015. 2015 data as of 1/18/2016. 2016 data as of 1/16/2017. 2017 data as of 1/17/2018. 2018 data as of 1/14/2019. 2019 data as of 1/15/2020. 2020 data as of 1/15/2021. 2021 data as of 1/17/2022. 2022 as of 1/16/2023. 2023 as of 1/15/2024. 2024 as of 1/20/2025.
Source: NYPD

In September, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that subway crime fell to historical lows over the summer. Norwood News reached out to the Mayor’s office for comment on this article. We did not receive an immediate response but will share any feedback we receive. 

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James released the findings of an investigatory report in 2021 that found that former NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo had sexually harassed 11 women during his time in office, with actions such as unwanted groping, kissing and sexual comments. As reported, he apologized for his actions which he broadly contextualized as cultural proclivities, and he resigned.

CITYWIDE VIOLATION OFFENSES 2016-2024                                                                                                                                              CRIME CATEGORY NOTES
(1) Contains primarily Disorderly Conduct, Marijuana Possession and Trespass
STATISTICAL NOTES
1. 2000-2005 Data Source-Historical OCCB Comfinal data including Complaint Follow-Up data.  Compiled from aggregated monthly tapes 2000 thru 2005.
2. 2006-2024 Data Source-CDW Omniform System and S-DD5 System (Complaint Follow-Up) data by record create date.  
3. 2000-2009 data as of 12/8/2010. 2010 data as of 1/18/2011. 2011 data as of 1/18/2012. 2012 data as of 4/1/2013. 2013 data as of 1/17/2014. 2014 data as of 1/16/2015. 2015 data as of 1/18/2016. 2016 data as of 1/16/2017. 2017 data as of 1/17/2018. 2018 data as of 1/14/2019. 2019 data as of 1/15/2020. 2020 data as of 1/15/2021. 2021 data as of 1/17/2022. 2022 data as of 1/16/2023. 2023 data as of 1/15/2024. 2024 as of 1/20/2025.
Source: NYPD

On January 31, 2022, The New York Post reported that the last of five criminal cases that had been pursued against Cuomo in terms of sexual harassment were dismissed.

 

MAJOR CRIME STATISTICS for the 46th Precinct for the 28-day period ending Oct. 12, 2025, compared to last year (left), and year-to-date major crime statistics for the 46th Precinct as of Oct. 12, 2025, compared to last year (right). This precinct covers some or all of Fordham, University Heights, Morris Heights and Mt. Hope.
Source: NYPD / Compstat

The New York Times reported in April 2025 that New York State was set to pay to resolve a lawsuit filed by Charlotte Bennett over accusations that Cuomo sexually harassed her when she worked in his executive office.

 

MAJOR CRIME STATISTICS for the 50th Precinct for the 28-day period ending Oct. 12, 2025, compared to last year (left), and year-to-date major crime statistics for the 50th Precinct as of Oct. 12, 2025, compared to last year (right). This precinct covers some or all of Kingsbridge, Fieldston, Riverdale, Marble Hill, and Spuyten Duyvil.
Source: NYPD / Compstat

According to those who work with victims of sexual harassment / assault, often, victims of such crimes choose not to pursue legal action as it may require having their personal sexual history discussed during court proceedings.

 

MAJOR CRIME STATISTICS for the 52nd Precinct for the 28-day period ending Oct. 12, 2025, compared to the same timeframe last year (left), and year-to-date major crime statistics for the 52nd Precinct as of Oct. 12, 2025, compared to last year (right). This precinct covers some or all of Bedford Park, Fordham, Kingsbridge, Norwood, Bronx Park, and University Heights.
Source: NYPD / Compstat

Morris Park resident Norman Seabrook is a former law enforcement officer, union leader, and president of the Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association from 1995 to 2016 before he was indicted by a federal grand jury, was convicted of corruption, and was sentenced to 58 months in prison.

 

*Síle Moloney contributed to this article.