Mayor Adams Holds First-Ever Williamsburg Town Hall, Addresses Key Community Concerns

By Williamsburg 365 Staff

Mayor Eric Adams visited Williamsburg on Thursday for his first-ever town hall meeting with the local community, a historic and engaging event that drew a full house and signaled a new level of direct connection between City Hall and the neighborhood.

While a wide range of topics were discussed, the primary focus of the night was the controversial Bedford Avenue bike lane project. Rabbi Moshe Indig of the WJCC, Rabbi Moshe David Niederman of the UJO, and several other community members voiced their perspectives, each highlighting different concerns about safety and the overall impact and danger on pedestrians, especially children. In response, both the Mayor and representatives from the Department of Transportation assured the audience that they will reexamine the plans and consider alternative solutions that work for both bikers and neighborhood residents.

Other pressing issues raised during the evening included the rising rent in government-assisted housing, the need for better coordination with the DOT on construction leading up to Yom Tov, the lack of a dedicated city parking lot for the hundreds of buses operating in the area, and the worsening rat problem affecting much of Williamsburg.

Many attendees expressed their gratitude to the Mayor for his support and for pushing the voucher relief program across the finish line, securing funding for thousands of children in need.

Mayor Adams took time to walk around the hall and speak directly with attendees, demonstrating a strong willingness to listen and engage. The event served as a clear message: the Williamsburg community has a direct line to the Mayor’s office and the various city agencies in attendance, all committed to hearing concerns and working together toward practical solutions.

photos by: Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office