Homeless New Yorkers raved about their new living conditions under New York City democratic socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The relaxed enforcement has led to the appearance of new encampments across the city, including one directly across the street from New York University dorms. Homeless individuals told the New York Post that street life is “much better” under Mayor Mamdani.
A homeless man who goes by Raymond said, “The past mayor had the police and they just came through and took stuff. Now they ask if we are OK and need help.”
Mamdani initially halted New York City’s encampment sweeps after taking office, reversing a policy aggressively pursued by former Mayor Eric Adams. He later reinstated the sweeps after at least 18 homeless people died outdoors during the city’s record-breaking cold winter. The renewed sweeps, however, remain far less aggressive than those conducted under Adams, who made clearing encampments a major priority of his administration.
Under Mamdani, the Department of Homeless Services, rather than the New York Police Department, takes the lead in addressing encampments. Under the previous administration, authorities could dismantle an encampment within a day...