Mayor Bill de Blasio attempted to shift the focus from an outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease in the south Bronx by addressing the problem of homelessness and mental illness. Zack Fink filed the following report.
With the death toll still rising from the outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease in the Bronx, Mayor Bill de Blasio sought to address another crisis: the increased presence of homeless people on the street.
However, instead of offering an overall plan that would reduce the number of homeless individuals, the mayor focused on just the mentally ill, who are falling through the cracks.
"There's no question that many New Yorkers deserve help they're not getting now," said de Blasio. "Mental illness comes in many forms."
The mayor's initiative, known as "New York City Safe" and funded with $22 million, comes as the administration is working to contain an outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease in the Bronx. On Thursday, Governor Andrew Cuomo sent his health commissioner to meet with the Bronx borough president to address growing concerns from residents.
Cuomo said the state will be providing free testing for the bacteria that causes Legionnaires' to all building owners.
The governor, who has sparred with the mayor on many issues, put out a press release about Legionnaires', saying the outbreak has "raised many questions." The release also pointed out that the Bronx outbreak is the largest in state history.
"That's a question, of course, that we're asking ourselves," said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett. "And I'm not sure that we'll ever fully understand it."
Mayor de Blasio downplayed any friction with the governor on the issue.
"There's been regular coordination, both between me and the governor and the state Health Commissioner, the city Health Commisisoner, our staffs in general, very consistent communication, and I think great coordination and great agreement on the course of action," said de Blasio. "Again, I want to thank the state."
In the meantime, the Mayor and the city's first lady kept the focus of the day on reducing violence stemming from mental illness.
"Violence is not acceptable," said Chirlane McCray, the city's first lady. "And it is not acceptable to punish people who are sick when we know their condition is treatable."
De Blasio said dealing with people with a propensity for violence who also have mental health issues is just one component of a larger strategy to address homelessness in the city, the rest of which will be outlined in the fall.