Brad Hoylman-Sigal on Homelessness, Taxes, and Combating Hate Crimes in Manhattan

Response to Snowstorm and Homelessness Crisis

• ❄️ Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal commends the city's snow removal efforts, noting that 90% of Manhattan was cleared within 12 hours, though challenges remain for accessibility.
• 💔 He expresses deep concern over the deaths of unhoused individuals during the cold snap, emphasizing that the homelessness crisis is a humanitarian issue requiring more supportive housing and direct government investment.

Taxation and Economic Policy

• 💰 Hoylman-Sigal supports the mayor's proposal to tax the wealthy and corporations, highlighting the disparity where the top 1% pay the same effective tax rate as the bottom 40%.
• ⚖️ He acknowledges the challenge of raising taxes in an election year but believes corporate taxes are an area for potential agreement between the mayor and governor.
• 📈 Balancing tax rates with essential city services is crucial for retaining businesses, as corporations thrive due to public safety, parks, and transit.
• 💡 The borough president is exploring budget efficiencies and potential savings before considering cuts or tax increases, including a review of the SRG unit in the police department.

Combating Hate Crimes and Antisemitism

• 📈 Hate crimes and antisemitism have significantly increased, with a hate crime occurring every 26 hours in 2025.
• 🏫 Hoylman-Sigal advocates for education on tolerance and acceptance in school curricula as a primary solution to hate.
• 📱 He notes the correlation between the rise of social media and increased hate speech, supporting legislation that holds platforms accountable for reporting and addressing incidents.
• 🏛️ The city has increased charges for hate crimes and is working to implement buffer zones around places of worship to enhance safety.

Housing Affordability and Development

• 🏘️ A key focus for Hoylman-Sigal's office is building more housing and addressing affordability, including reviewing archaic building codes that hinder development.
• 🚉 He supports transit-oriented development, citing a report suggesting extending subways to transit deserts could create 167,000 new housing units.
• 🏢 Redeveloping areas like Penn Station for residential development is a priority, aiming to create new neighborhoods and housing stock.

Preserving Manhattan's Character

• 🛍️ To combat the proliferation of big-box stores and empty storefronts, Hoylman-Sigal is proposing to nullify the commercial rent tax in Manhattan, which disproportionately affects small businesses.
• 📊 He believes that eliminating this tax will provide relief to struggling businesses and potentially pay for itself through increased economic activity.