Former budget chair urges focus on public safety, land use and affordable housing

Robert Press, who identified himself as a former budget chair for Community Board 8, told the committee during public comment that the most urgent FY2028 priorities are public safety, land use, and affordable housing. Press said the 49th Precinct "says they're down to 80 officers," and urged the committee to make police staffing the top budget priority.

Press also cautioned that a local construction surge on corridors such as White Plains Road will increase land-use pressures and recommended land-use oversight as a priority. Finally, he listed affordable housing as another continuing priority and offered to assist the committee as it develops its submissions.