Crime and jobs were some of the concerns Brownsville residents had during a community conversation with Mayor Eric Adams Wednesday night.

At the event, Adams called the neighborhood a litmus test for the city.

What You Need To Know

  • A town hall event Wednesday night was a chance for Brownsville residents to hear directly from Mayor Eric Adams and other officials
  • At the event, Adams called the Brooklyn neighborhood a litmus test for the city
  • Major crimes are down overall in the neighborhood, but murder, robbery, shooting incidents and victims are up
  • The event was held at a school located at 104 Sutter Ave. in Brooklyn

The town hall event was a chance for residents to hear directly from the mayor and other officials to better understand some of the city’s policies.

“We believe work force is the only way you can kill community violence, gun violence,” Brownsville resident Matt Taylor said Wednesday.

The forum was also an opportunity for the mayor to appeal to voters and promote his successes.

“Seventy percent decrease in homicides, 45% decrease in shootings, 17% decrease in overall crime,” Adams said when discussing crime in the neighborhood.

However, murder, robbery, shooting incidents and victims have increased in the Brooklyn precinct year to date when compared to 2023. Major crimes overall are down.

“We see so much. Brownsville almost seems like a forgotten part of the city,” Brownsville resident Nelvern Samuel said.

Samuel said he is open to hearing about continued improvements in safety, but they must reflect community input.

“Right now, it feels like a tug-of-war between the police and community. Safety should be of the utmost importance of everyone’s mind,” Samuel said.