“The Mayor’s “A Blueprint for Community Safety,” is a bold approach to not only addressing violent crime in our city but to finding creative ways to truly empower and uplift the communities most impacted by gun violence. This inter-agency approach prioritizes cross-collaboration with elected officials, community leaders, and credible messengers with a focus on being proactive rather than reactive in ensuring historically underserved communities receive the needed resources to combat gun violence.
For years, there has been significant disinvestment and neglect of certain zip codes in our borough, and I am hopeful this initiative will help to undo those wrongs by providing our most vulnerable residents with access to housing, public benefits, mentorship opportunities, jobs, healthcare, and other services that can improve the quality of life for a community.
I want to acknowledge the important work of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force led by Co-Chairs, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and AT Mitchell. I want to also thank my colleagues in government, Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Mayor Eric Adams for his leadership and commitment to addressing the root causes of gun violence in our city. We are grateful to have a Mayor who recognizes the needs of the Bronx and is standing up for the families of our borough. We have a lot of work ahead but I look forward to the implementation of this blueprint.”