Statement on Comptroller Brad Lander Arrest by ICE
New York, NY, June 17, 2025 -- The arrest today of New York City Comptroller Brad Lander by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers at immigration court in Manhattan is shocking, unacceptable, and deeply concerning.
CRDC condemns this action in the strongest possible terms. It raises serious questions about the use of federal power to target elected officials and advocates engaged in peaceful, moral action.
We are satisfied that Comptroller Lander has been released and that all charges against him have been dismissed. However, we are very concerned that the man he sought to protect remains in custody and that his fate is unknown.
CRDC will continue to stand in defense of democratic institutions and those who fight for justice, fairness, and the rights of all New Yorkers—regardless of immigration status or political belief.
CRDC Executive Committee
Statement on Jessica Ramos Decision to Endorse Cuomo
Statement from CRDC on Jessica Ramos Endorsement Rescission
The Chelsea Reform Democratic Club (CRDC) has decided to rescind our endorsement of Jessica Ramos's campaign for New York City Mayor following her public endorsement of Andrew Cuomo.
CRDC has been clear and consistent in our position: we do not support Andrew Cuomo’s return to public office and have explicitly recommended that voters neither rank nor vote for him. We are shocked and blindsided by Senator Ramos’s decision to align with a figure whose record is antithetical to the values we fight for. This is a disappointing and serious break in alignment. As such, we can no longer offer our support.
In light of Senator Ramos’ complete reversal on the very values she claimed to uphold, we can no longer support her.
We are strongly urging our members not to rank Ramos on their ballots. A vote for Ramos is a vote for Cuomo.
Senator Ramos has made her choice. Now it’s time for us to make ours.
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Chelsea Reform Democratic Club (CRDC)
CRDC Stands Up For The Independence of Community Boards
In Viren’s own words:
“This is not just disappointing—it’s a deeply troubling example of an elected official weaponizing their position to suppress differing opinions and reshape the board to serve political interests.”
Viren consistently voiced principled opposition to the NYCHA demolition plan, offering well-reasoned, thoughtful arguments grounded in community concern. His position reflects the overwhelming sentiment of the neighborhood, as made clear by the strong public turnout and near-unanimous opposition at two recent public hearings.
Chelsea Reform Democratic Club (CRDC) notes that, when faced with protest from his constituents, Council Member Erik Bottcher recommended Viren Brahmbhatt for appointment as a public member of Manhattan Community Board 4, and he pledged to reappoint Viren as a full board member when a vacancy arises, though such vacancy may not occur for another year; and thereby damage has already been done and cannot be guaranteed a timely correction. During this likely gap, a voice opposing the demolition of NYCHA’s Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea developments will have been removed.
CRDC acknowledges that Council Member Bottcher recognizes that not reappointing a dedicated and knowledgeable board member was a mistake. We welcome this course correction and remain committed to promoting transparent, principled civic engagement in Chelsea and beyond.
Unfortunately, Viren’s non-reappointment is not an isolated incident. In Manhattan Community Board 9 (Inwood, West Harlem), the co-chairs of the Housing, Land Use, and Zoning Committee—Liz Waytkus and Signe Mortensen—were also not reappointed. A notice sent by CB9 noted:“This action can only lead us to believe we are being removed by a Borough President that has received significant contributions from the real estate lobby so as to silence the voices of our West Harlem Community.”
“While we have both dedicated hundreds of volunteer hours… this is not about any one individual but about silencing and attempting to intimidate the grassroots voices on the future of our neighborhood.”
Review of NYCHA proposal to redevelop Fulton & Elliott-Chelsea
CRDC Reviews NYCHA DEIS for Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea Redevelopment
The Chelsea Reform Democratic Club (CRDC) has reviewed the recently released Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the proposed redevelopment of the Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea Houses.
This is a critical moment for our neighborhood. The DEIS outlines major changes that would affect thousands of residents, public land, and the future of deeply affordable housing in Chelsea. CRDC has prepared a summary deck to help our community better understand what’s at stake.
📄 View the presentation deck here.
📘 Access the full DEIS here.
Tenants seeking legal advice are encouraged to reach out to NYLAG. 212.946.0353
We urge residents, neighbors, and advocates to make their voices heard at the upcoming public hearings:
🗓️ Tuesday, April 23 at 6:00 PM – Fulton Community Center (9th Ave & 18th St)
🗓️ Wednesday, April 24 at 6:30 PM – Elliott-Chelsea Community Center (441 W 26th St)
This is your chance to speak out—to say what you support, what concerns you, and what kind of future you want for public housing in Chelsea.
Chelsea’s voices matter. Let’s make sure they are heard.
CRDC Opposes Andrew Cuomo’s Mayoral Bid, Urges New Yorkers to Reject His Candidacy
CRDC Opposes Andrew Cuomo’s Mayoral Bid, Urges New Yorkers to Reject His Candidacy
New York, NY, March 2nd, 2025. CRDC stands firmly against Andrew Cuomo’s bid for mayor of New York City and urges voters not to rank him on their ballots.
New York needs a leader who is ethical, transparent, and committed to the public good—not a disgraced former governor seeking a second act at the city’s expense.
Cuomo’s tenure as governor was marked by scandal, abuse of power, and a record of failed leadership on issues ranging from affordable housing to transit infrastructure. He directed thousands of elderly patients back into nursing homes causing the death of many during the COVID pandemic. His attempt at a comeback is a cynical ploy, not a solution for New Yorkers.
Andrew Cuomo was the architect of the disastrous Penn Station plan that would have razed 10 city blocks in our community. He is not a friend of Chelsea.
Andrew Cuomo is not the answer to New York’s problems—he is the embodiment of them. New York City cannot allow a politician who resigned in disgrace to waltz back into power under the guise of stability. New Yorkers deserve better.
That’s why CRDC is urging voters NOT to rank Andrew Cuomo on their ballots.
CRDC remains committed to supporting candidates who will move the city forward with integrity, equity, and a real plan for its future.
CRDC proudly endorsed Jessica Ramos, a state senator who stood up to Cuomo and passed legislation against Cuomo's secrecy ploys.
We strongly encourage voters to reject Cuomo’s candidacy and choose leadership that represents progress, not political survival.
Chelsea Reform Democratic Club (CRDC)
Statement by CRDC Executive Committee Calling on Mayor Adams to Resign or to be Removed
New York, NY, Feb 17, 2025 -
New York, NY - The Chelsea Reform Democratic Club (CRDC) has long championed integrity, accountability, and effective governance in our city. In October 2024, we called for Mayor Adams to resign in light of mounting ethical and leadership concerns. Today, those concerns have reached a crisis point.
The shocking and politically fraught decision by the Trump Justice Department to postpone corruption charges against Mayor Adams, coupled with the resignation of four of his top deputy mayors, has only deepened the city’s instability. The departure of First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer, Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom, and Deputy Mayor for public safety Chauncey Parker,—public servants with decades of experience—sends an unmistakable signal: Mayor Adams has lost the confidence of those closest to the city's most critical operations.
These resignations leave vital agencies—including the Departments of Social Services, Health, Sanitation, City Planning, HPD, NYPD, Transportation, and Parks—without leadership at a time when New Yorkers face a housing crisis, rising inequality, and public safety concerns. Their departure is not just an administrative setback; it is a vote of no confidence in Mayor Adams' ability to govern responsibly.
Mayor Adams’ leadership has been marred by ethical scandals, governance failures, and an increasing reliance on political maneuvering over principled leadership. His administration has consistently failed to put the needs of working New Yorkers ahead of self-preservation. His remaining in office is an active risk to the well-being of our city.
CRDC reiterates our call for Mayor Adams to resign immediately. If he refuses, we urge Governor Hochul to take swift action to remove him, or for the Committee of Mayoral Inability to convene and expedite the Mayor's removal from office. New York City cannot afford a mayor whose leadership is in freefall. New Yorkers deserve a leader who is focused on their needs, not his political survival.
We stand with the dedicated public servants who continue to work tirelessly for this city, and we call on all New Yorkers to demand a government that operates with integrity, transparency, and competence.
It is time for Mayor Adams to go.
Sincerely,
Chelsea Reform Democratic Club (CRDC)
Protection of Health Care for NYC Retirees - CRDC calls for Passage of Bill 1096-2024 -
Chelsea Reform Democratic Club’s Resolution
On November 4, the Chelsea Reform Democratic Club passed the following resolution fully supporting Bill 1096-2024 which intends to protect the vested health insurance and contributions of retired employees of the City of New York
Whereas, the Chelsea Reform Democratic Club, also known as CRDC, is more than 60 years old;
Whereas, it has functioned as a conduit for advanced support for its many constituents and other New Yorkers who worked for the city;
Whereas, some 250,000 people are retired from city jobs;
Whereas, the choice of the retirees’ healthcare has been up to them;
Whereas, their healthcare benefits have also been based upon factors that include union activity which can be overridden if retirees are forced into Medicare Advantage Plan (MAP);
Whereas, this denial of choice makes the MAP plan anti-union;
Whereas, MAP is not Medicare, but a private insurance plan drawing money away from Medicare;
Whereas, MAP will cost many millions that will not be spent for the public good;
Whereas, the benefits of this MAP plan are not equal to traditional Medicare and may cause retirees to be forced to see other doctors, which may result in delayed referrals and resulting treatment. This would cause stress and worry and possible harm to their health if proper referrals are slow-coming or inappropriate;
Whereas, costs incurred by this MAP, which is not Medicare, may cause retirees to pay for deductibles;
Whereas, The City of New York has continued to fight against the retirees in court;
Whereas, the retirees have won ten favorable Supreme Court decisions including two unanimous appeal decisions;
Whereas, New York Times, Sunday, November 2, 2024, Business section talks about major changes to MAP which may include 4 times higher costs for deductibles; and
Whereas, the leadership of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) who originally led the movement to change retirees to a MAP, have changed their position, and no longer supports a MAP; now therefore, be it
Resolved that the Chelsea Reform Democratic Club (CRDC), on behalf of its members:
1. Urges all its elected officials to publicly support the NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees supporting the proposed legislation, and that the city maintains the original Medicare plan provided at the time of hiring—and not force retirees onto a private profit-driven plan.
2. Urges city officials to uphold New York Administrative Code Section 12-126 and consistent with contractual and statutory obligations to continue to cover out-ofpocket expenses as required.
3. Urges the City Council to exercise leadership, voting to approve the proposed legislation by the NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees protecting retirees from onerous and costly forced change of healthcare plan.
4. Monitors individual council member’s position as who is supporting this legislation. Furthermore, CRDC membership will consider the council member’s position regarding Intro Bill 1096 when determining which members to publicly support and work to get them re-elected.
Roberta Gelb Roberta Gelb,
President Chelsea Reform Democratic Club
Manhattan Democratic District Leaders and Democratic Political Clubs Statement Calling for Mayor Adams to Resign
Manhattan Democratic District Leaders and Democratic Political Clubs Statement Calling for Mayor Adams to Resign
The recent indictment of Mayor Eric Adams on charges of bribery, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations is a serious and troubling development for New York City.
We, the people, almost 9 million strong, deserve more than a leader shackled by suspicion. New York City deserves a leader who walks among us with integrity, unencumbered by the distraction of serious legal battles. In the coming weeks, Mayor Adams will find himself less a steward of this city and more a defendant in a court of law, struggling not to guide us, but to defend himself.
Mayor Adams is entitled to the presumption of innocence, and he is innocent until proven guilty. Yet, it is clear that defending himself against these sweeping charges will require his full attention and resources.
New York City faces immense challenges, from addressing housing affordability to ensuring public safety and maintaining essential services. To lead New York is to take on a burden that leaves no room for divided focus. With a budget of $112 billion and the fate of nearly 9 million people to consider, we cannot afford to have a mayor preoccupied with defending his own name.
We call on Mayor Adams to resign. We believe that the best course of action for the city is for Mayor Adams to step aside and allow a new leader to step in, one who can fully devote themselves to the enormous task of governing. Mayor Adams can prove that his loyalty lies not with his own defense, but with the future of New York.
Signatories:
Vittoria Fariello - District Leader – AD61
Caroline Laskow - District Leader – AD65/A
Magda Napoleon – District Leader – AD65/B
Mariama James - District Leader – AD65/C
Paul Newell - District Leader – AD65/C
Jennifer Hoppe - District Leader – AD66/A
Aura Olavaria - District Leader – AD74/A
Layla Law-Gisiko - District Leader – AD75/A
Roberta Gelb – President - Chelsea Reform Democratic Club
Jasmin Sanchez – President – Three Bridges Democratic Club
Chelsea Reform Democratic Club – Executive Committee
Three Bridges Democratic Club – Executive Committee