Question: The virus has shaken up a lot of people and made them reassess their goals and aspirations for the future and what's important to them. After years of migration to cities like New York, the virus may be pushing younger, more affluent people out of the cities and into the suburbs. This migration is going to suck away revenues from the cities, leaving the tax burden on working class men and women who really can't afford to leave. My question to you is, what would you tell people who are thinking about leaving New York City for the suburbs or rural areas?
Mayor: I've had a number of business leaders I've spoken to lately spontaneously use the same line, and they've used it half-jokingly and half very seriously. They've said, ironically, New York City is the safest place in America right now in terms of dealing with this disease. I think for a lot of people are looking at that, and they're saying New York City is a very special place, and they're seeing it actually in a new light.
It is true some people may, for the short term, decide that they would prefer to live elsewhere, but I think you're going to see, as we come back, many, many people will sense opportunity. Maybe the opportunity for them is that they can buy a home or condo or a co-op a little cheaper. Maybe opportunity is they can invest in creating a business a little more easily. Some people will stand back, other people will surge forward. We saw it after every crisis we've had. People had left us for dead after the 60’s and 70’s, after 9-11, after the Great Recession, consistent pattern. The strength of New York City and the appeal of New York City comes to the fore and people start investing and people start coming here. Younger folks, particularly folks who are creative and entrepreneurial, wanting to be where the action is, that has not been changed. Give us time and we will prove the doubters wrong once again.
Back to COVID-19: NYC Resources
This page © 2020 Barry Drogin