During a meeting of local officials on the reconstruction of McGuinness Boulevard in the Greenpoint neighbourhood, known as “Little Poland,” the politician spoke to Polish-American radio station Radio RAMPA and highlighted the contributions of the large Polish population living in the area.
The conference took place on Saturday, January 3, 2026, shortly after Mamdani – the youngest mayor in New York City’s history – was sworn in on New Year’s Eve.
Mamdani acknowledged that the Polish residents have shaped Greenpoint into a vibrant and thriving neighbourhood, achieving this despite many years of difficult conditions. While the area is now beautiful and full of life, rising costs are pushing out long-term inhabitants.
The mayor also recalled his time as a member of the State Assembly, working closely with Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher. From her, he repeatedly heard about the challenges faced by Polish tenants and small business owners in her district who are being forced to leave the city.
In Mamdani’s view, the city should do more than symbolically commemorate the Polish population through parks, streets, or institutions. Efforts should focus on preserving it as a living, dynamic community able to remain in Greenpoint.
Ensuring this is treated as a key priority in broader plans to make New York – the most expensive city in the United States – more affordable and liveable.
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Source: Radio RAMPA