Comptroller Stringer Analysis: Residents Returning to New York City after Out-Migration Tripled During Pandemic

 

Net residential out-migration from NYC tripled during 2020, with residents in the wealthiest 10 percent of city neighborhoods 4.6 times more likely to leave

Since July 2021, the city has gained an estimated 6,332 permanent movers, indicating a gradual return to New York City

Today, New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer released a comprehensive analysis of the pandemic’s impact on monthly migration patterns into and out of the city. Using data published by the United States Postal Service (USPS) from change of address forms, the analysis confirms that New York City’s net residential out-migration tripled from 2019 to 2020.  The data show that the city’s wealthiest neighborhoods experienced the most population loss; residents in the wealthiest 10 percent of city neighborhoods, as measured by median income, were 4.6 times more likely to move than other residents during 2020.

 

In more recent months, the reopening of office buildings, the return of in-person school, and the rebirth of arts and entertainment have helped to attract movers to the city. Since July 2021, USPS data has shown an estimated net gain of 6,332 permanent movers, mainly in neighborhoods that experienced the greatest flight.

 

“New York City is steadily reopening and New Yorkers are returning to the city we love—that’s why it’s vital that we invest in the value proposition that is New York City and make sure we continue to be the best place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Comptroller Stringer. “That means investing in our classrooms and teachers so our children get the very best education, investing in affordable and accessible child care so parents can return to work, and investing in our streetscapes and green spaces to ensure that our neighborhoods are walkable and breathable. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine our city and build back stronger than ever from the losses of the pandemic.”

 

Despite recent gains, certain neighborhoods have a long road ahead to regain pre-pandemic population. Whether or not these gains continue and accelerate will depend on the trajectory of the pandemic and the city’s ability to maintain in-person activities and attractions, as well as the endurance of telework arrangements and workers’ ability and desire to live farther from their place of work as commuting becomes less burdensome. 

 

Major findings of the analysis include:

• In the first three months of the pandemic, from March to May 2020, more than 60 percent of net moves from city addresses were marked as temporary, indicating that the person or household intended to return, but since then 79 percent of net moves have been marked as permanent.
• Excluding moves marked as “temporary,” net out-migration from the city increased by an estimated 130,837 from March 2020 through June 2021, as compared to pre-pandemic trends.
• Residents from the city’s wealthiest neighborhoods were the most likely to leave. Residents in the wealthiest 10 percent of city neighborhoods, as measured by median income, were 4.6 times more likely to leave than other residents during 2020, recording 109 net move-outs per 1,000 residents vs 24 elsewhere. Moves from wealthier neighborhoods were also more likely to be recorded as temporary. About half of net out-migration from the wealthiest 10 percent of neighborhoods was marked as temporary in 2020, compared to 44 percent in the next wealthiest decile and less than 30 percent elsewhere.
• In September 2021, New York City public schools and colleges opened to full-time, in-person learning; some employers, including city government, called office workers back; and the curtains rose on Broadway after an 18-month shutdown. Not surprisingly, these events coincided with an improvement in net residential migration to the city, particularly in the neighborhoods that experienced the greatest flight in the spring of 2020.
• Since July 2021, USPS data has shown an estimated net gain of 6,332 permanent movers, indicating a gradual return to New York City, mainly in neighborhoods that experienced the greatest flight. On a per-capita basis, the largest net gains over the summer were in Chelsea/Midtown, Murray Hill/Gramercy, Battery Park City/Greenwich Village, and Chinatown/Lower East Side.

The new report, including neighborhood-level and zip code-level interactive maps, is available here.

Statement From Governor Kathy Hochul on COVID-19 Boosters

"As Governor, I am committed to protecting the health and safety of all New Yorkers, and with the holidays coming up, we must continue to do everything we can to keep New Yorkers safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

"We know the vaccine not only slows the spread, but also improves outcomes and reduces the stress placed on our hospitals and health care system. Dr. Fauci recently noted that making the booster shot available to all is 'absolutely essential' to fighting this deadly virus - especially as people start to congregate indoors for holiday gatherings.

"I am strongly encouraging all New Yorkers who live or work in a high-risk setting to get the booster. I received the booster, and believe no one who feels they are at risk should be turned away from getting a COVID-19 booster shot. If you feel at risk, please get the booster."

 

Assemblyman Dinowitz and Bronx Democratic Party Leader Jamaal Bailey Condemn Sunday's Rally as Anti-Semitic, But do nothing when the 80th A.D. District Leader Marcos Sierra Does It.

 

In the above photo a woman on the right side is holding a sign against Assembly Bill A8378. She has a Swastika on it which is wrong, and should not have been allowed at the rally. One of the Republican governor candidate Astorino's people should have seen the sign, and told her to take it down or asked her to leave, but that was not done.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz put out a tweet before the rally to warn his supporters that a rally against his bill A8378 to mandate all school children between the ages of two and eighteen be vaccinated for COVID was going to happen. 

After the rally assembly Dinowitz put out a statement continually mentioning antisemitism because of the lone Swastika on the two posters by one woman comparing the vaccine mandate to Nazi Germany and an old man who placed a gold star on his coat.  Dinowitz called the rally a publicity stunt, and the work of a Right Wing Extremist of the Republican Party. Bronx Democratic Party Leader State Senator Jamaal Bailey also condemned the rally as anti-Semitic by the Republican Party. 

When it comes to calling out Bronx Democrats, Assemblyman Dinowitz, and Bronx Democratic Party Leader Senator Bailey fail miserably. 80th Assembly Male District Leader Marcos Sierra at the Tracy Towers poll site broke two New York State Election Laws during the 2020 November General Election. 1 - DL Sierra said I was a Republican with a poll watchers certificate, instructing poll workers what to do. 2 - When I presented my Board of Elections media credentials to the poll coordinator, DL Sierra wanted to see it, and when I refused to give it to him, he had the poll coordinator read him word for word what the two pages had on them. That action caused interference with the operation of a poll site by ordering the poll coordinator to stop her work, to read him my media credentials. 

I complained to Bronx Democratic Party Leader State Senator Jamaal Bailey to remove DL Sierra according to the Bronc Democratic Party By-Laws. I was told the senator hasn't read the by-laws yet, and that he would not do anything to the district leader who seconded his nomination to be the party leader. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz is the Secretary to the Bronx Democratic Party, who said to take it up with the Party Leader. Both are a bunch of Hypocrites. 

Rob Astorino Leads Demonstration in Front of Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz' Office Against Bill A8378

 

Sunday afternoon brought colder weather, but that didn't stop around one hundred people from joining Republican Candidate for Governor Rob Astorino in a demonstration against Assembly Bill A 8378, (introduced by Assemblyman Dinowitz) a law that would mandate a COVID vaccination for children ages 2 - 18 to attend school. State Senator Brad Hoylman introduced the companion Senate Bill S7320. The demonstration took place outside Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz's Kingsbridge office. 

Astorino said that he and his wife have been vaccinated, but he had reservations about vaccinating young children when they are 99,8% immune to the virus. He continued that more is known now, than one year ago, but more information is needed. Astorino brought up term limits, while mentioning that Assemblyman Dinowitz has now been in office for over twenty-seven years. He added that thirty-seven states do not have mandates for children. He closed by saying if elected governor he would reverse any mandate that current Governor Kathy Hochul has put in place referring to the mask mandate for children in school.

The crowd of around one hundred people spilled out into the street, bringing the new 50th Precinct commanding officer Captain Girven and a couple of his community affairs officers. 

This wanted poster for Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and State Senator Brad Hoylman was made up, for their introduction of a child vaccination mandate bill.

Rob Astorino (standing behind the Governor Astorino podium) speaks out against Assembly bill A8378, and Senate Bill S7320 that would mandate vaccination of school children ages 2 - 18 against COVID.

On the right hand side is a sign with a swastika on it, which Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz would make a statement about later, and is included at the end of this article.

While Astorino would be speaking to reporters, others in the background are putting signs all around the entrance to Assemblyman Dinowitz's office.

Signs against the state mandate to vaccinate children aged 2 - 18 were left all around the entrance of Assemblyman Dinowitz's office.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz shortly after the rally issued the following statement:

“I am disgusted and offended by the anti-Semitic imagery that was brought to my office by apparent supporters of Rob Astorino's failing gubernatorial campaign. People are free to express their opinions on vaccine policy and on any issue, but I draw the line at swastikas. I understand that Mr. Astorino is desperate for support for his struggling campaign for Governor, but to stand next to swastikas and yellow Stars of David outside of a Jewish legislator's office shows a lack of integrity at best and an embrace of right-wing extremism at worst. This is not who New York needs as Governor. I want to believe that this kind of unhinged embrace of Nazi symbols is why 95% of Republican leaders across the state chose to support somebody else for Governor, but the jury remains out on how many Republican leaders will condemn Mr. Astorino's embrace of anti-Semitism.

 

“On the substance of today's publicity stunt over my legislation to add the COVID-19 vaccine to the current list of required vaccines to attend school in New York, I refuse to be cowed by anti-Semites or anti-science extremists. Vaccine requirements have a demonstrably positive impact on vaccination rates, and vaccination rates have a demonstrably positive impact on reducing fatalities and hospitalizations from preventable diseases. Mr. Astorino wants you to ignore what you see with your own eyes and what you hear with your own ears by masquerading his anti-vax ideology as anti-mandate. It's bunk. His position is obviously anti-vaccine, as evidenced by the anti-vaccine signs and statements from the 40-50 people who attended his rally. New Yorkers ought not to be fooled by his double-speak, and Mr. Astorino must condemn in the strongest terms the anti-Semitic symbology to which he gave a platform this afternoon.”

 

Permits Filed For 320 West Fordham Road In University Heights, The Bronx - 17 Story Building

 

Permits have been filed for a 17-story mixed-use building with affordable housing at 320 West Fordham Road in University Heights, The Bronx. Located on the Harlem River waterfront near the Major Deegan Expressway, the lot is within walking distance of the 207th Street subway station, serviced by the 1 train and the University Heights Metro-North station on the Hudson Line. Brad Zackson of Dynamic Star LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications for one phase of the Fordham Landing mega-development.

The proposed 175-foot-tall development will yield 582,122 square feet, with 553,835 square feet designated for residential space and 28,287 square feet for community facility space. The building will have 602 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 919 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar, 274 enclosed parking spaces, and 274 open parking spaces.

Overall Fordham Landing will have a mix of community facility, commercial, and residential space with both affordable and market-rate units. In addition, there will be approximately 3 acres of public green space and waterfront amenities including a community dock, kayak launch, and a marina.

Perkins Eastman Architects is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is vacant. An estimated completion date is set for 2025, with ULURP filing and approval in the second quarter of 2023.

Social Justice Activist Shanequa Charles Announces Bid for N.Y. Assembly District NY-78

 

Social justice activist and veteran grassroots community organizer Shanequa Charles announced her candidacy for the NYS Assembly today.

Shanequa was joined by a diverse coalition of grassroots activists and community members for the launch of her campaign at Fordham Plaza.

Shanequa is running to take her fight for housing justice, decarceration, universal healthcare, and curbing the maternal mortality rate to Albany. She has been working on these issues for over 26 years, during which time she secured over 2.1 rent stabilized housing units for New Yorkers, led movements to get state and federal level criminal justice legislation passed, and serviced over 21,000 youth and families as the Executive Director of Miss Abbbie’s Kids. 

Once elected, Shanequa will prioritize equity in housing for all New Yorkers, secure unhoused community members, address the overdose crisis, and ensure that restorative practices lead decision making for those impacted by the criminal justice system.

Each of these legislative priorities are based on the demonstrated needs of her community members and her personal experience working on results-based legislation, and influenced by leaders who she has worked alongside in the fight against a system built on structural racism and white supremacy. 

Shanequa will seek the Democratic nomination in the Party’s primary, which will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 for the 78th Assembly District.

 

MAYOR DE BLASIO DELIVERS REMARKS AT THE HEBRU BRANTLEY EXHIBIT OPENING

 

Mayor Bill de Blasio: Well, everybody, this – this is a moment to celebrate, because this is how we come back. We learned in the height of the biggest crisis we had in our history, fighting COVID. We learned, once again, what arts and culture means to this city. And I think it's fair to say, arts and culture is important all around the world, but this is, ultimately, the great American, the great global city of arts and culture. We value here our artists in a way that I think is special in all the world, because it's who we are. This is a city that has produced so many great artists. This a city that has embraced so many great artists, that has given artists the opportunity to shine. And so often, this is a city that's ahead of the curve. And in that identity as a city of arts, a city of culture, a city that believes in the transcendent capacity of arts and culture, we found something even more during the pandemic. We needed the hope. We needed to cling to the hope. And you could feel it in the worst times. We sought out, wherever we could, the culture that gave us hope. And then, things got a little better. It started to come out more. It started to come out more. We started to feel it more and we started to gain momentum and energy. And today is a day where we really recognize the way we're moving forward.  

 

Now, I want to thank everyone. Warrie Price, thank you so much for your work and everyone at the Battery Conservancy; our Parks Commissioner Gabrielle Fialkoff, everyone at Parks Department. For all of them, this was something really special. This was something to embrace, to bring a great work of art here at the exact time of our recovery. I want to thank Council Member Margaret Chin, who has always been there. When we had an opportunity to do something different and meaningful for the community, she's always there. I want to thank my friend Morris [inaudible] who came forward and said, here's a chance to do something great for New York City. 

 

Hebru Brantley has created a work that, in my view – everyone has their own personal interpretation – in my view, helps us move forward. In my view, helps us think now beyond crisis, and beyond pain, and beyond conflict to where we need to go. To see a superhero of color, to see an image that says to so many people in New York City and in this country, this is a future for all of us – that moves me. And we know – and I don't think I have to tell anyone here – we know that the status quo for too long only represented some of us. And we know still it's too easy to find imagery that does not see the goodness in some of us. But when artists help us move forward, help us look into a world where we address some of our imperfections, we find each other in a different way. That’s a service beyond what even us in public service can imagine, that changes hearts, changes minds.  

 

This city has always, always, always embraced people's saw over the horizon. Basquiat, and Keith Haring, and Andy Warhol, and so many others who, in their moment, a lot of times weren't understood or felt. But then, more and more people realize they were telling us something we needed to see, we needed to feel, we needed to understand. So, today, I'm going to have the great honor of bringing forward the artist himself. And he is doing something great for this city. He's doing something great for this city. He is a person who has been acknowledged and exhibited all over the world, in Chicago, in London, in Tokyo, in Hong Kong, but he wanted to do this for us. And we in this pandemic have had to oftentimes help our whole nation see a way back. This is another part of how we see our way back and then to a better place. Hebru Brantley, thank you for your commitment. Thank you for doing something for all of us. And I don't need to tell you, but I'm going to, so many people are going to come here and be moved and inspired. This is people's art. This is the place for the people. God bless you. Thank you. Welcome, we'd love to hear from you. 

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - NOVEMBER 14, 2021

 

110,004 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours

29 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

New State Website Providing Helpful Info About Child Vaccination

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.

"As the weather gets colder and the holiday season approaches, friends and family will be spending more time indoors, increasing the risk of transmission and threatening the incredible progress we've made so far," Governor Hochul said. "In order to keep our loved ones safe and reduce the spread of both COVID-19 and seasonal influenza, I encourage New Yorkers to get vaccinated, wear a mask indoors and remember to wash your hands."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 156,469
• Total Positive - 5,078
• Percent Positive - 3.25%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.21%
• Patient Hospitalization - 1,915 (+46)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 296
• Patients in ICU - 399 (+25)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 216 (+6)
• Total Discharges - 211,390 (+233)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 29
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 46,010

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 58,479

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.

• Total vaccine doses administered - 28,393,010
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 110,004
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 650,062
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 84.9%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 77.5%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 89.0%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 79.7%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 72.6%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 65.7%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 75.7%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 67.6%