Harvey Epstein (District 2 City Council candidate) – Meet the Candidates 2025!

The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association reached out to all the candidates running for office in 2025 that intersect our neighborhood (Mayor, Manhattan Borough President, City Council District 2, and City Council District 4, etc.) with questions sourced directly from our members via our Ask the Candidates questionnaire. See the candidate’s answers below.

How you would improve our streets and quality of life?

I also recently released my “SafeCity 360” plan, a bold, multi-pronged blueprint for a safer, more vibrant New York City. It prioritizes urban life by transforming our streets to protect pedestrians and cyclists; securing our subways with bold, caring Solutions; building trust with data-driven, community policing; empowering youth and preventing crime at its roots; standing firm against hate crimes; stopping random violence with real community care; and revolutionizing mental health response.

How are you going to handle the illegal migrant situation that has escalated into NYC?

We must ensure that NYC is protected as a sanctuary city. I have a history in the Assembly of protecting immigrants, including my support of the Green Light Law, immigrants’ right to counsel, and strengthened sanctuary law, passing my immigrant bond bill with dozens of community-based organizations. I will build upon that work and expand access to public services for immigrants. We must be especially vigilant now to protect against the threats of mass deportation under this second Trump administration.

How can housing become more affordable and not just for low income candidates?

My seven-point housing platform is designed to address the core challenges of affordability, equity, and sustainability. By building 21st-century middle-class housing, converting underused commercial spaces into homes, and expanding mandatory inclusionary housing, we’re making it clear: housing is a human right, and New York must lead the way in protecting it. We’ll go even further by expanding the use of community land trusts, recapitalizing public housing, and protecting vital assets like Housing Development Fund Corporation (HDFC) cooperatives and protecting existing affordable housing. Together, these strategies will rebuild the foundation of a city where families can grow, communities can thrive, and the most vulnerable among us—including our seniors—are safeguarded.

How would you address homelessness and mental illness in NYC?

I have a robust, detailed plan to help with our city’s mental health crisis. It includes revolutionizing care for New Yorkers with dual diagnoses of mental health and substance abuse issues; doubling the number of supportive housing apartments being developed for people experiencing homelessness and battling mental health challenges; demanding accountability for release plans; expanding SHOW program mobile outreach; and training more mental health professionals and 911 operators to lead in crises.

How would you support the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association?

I will attend meetings, speak with members about their cares and concerns for the neighborhood, and use my platform as a city council member to advocate for the needs of the community.

Bio

Harvey Epstein has dedicated nearly three decades to building a stronger, fairer community on Manhattan’s East Side. Representing neighborhoods from the Lower East Side to Murray Hill, Harvey’s commitment to the people of the East Side has been evident through his tireless work in the New York State Assembly.

Before joining the Assembly, Harvey served 14 years on Community Board 3, including as board chair, where he tackled critical land use issues and fought for community needs. As a public school parent, he led as president of the District 1 President’s Council and numerous PTAs, advocating for equity and excellence in education. Harvey’s activism extends to protecting low-wage workers, preserving local daycare centers, and championing diversity in public school admissions. As a former Co-President of CoDA and a leader for progressive campaigns, he’s been a driving force for change.

During his five years as a tenant member of the Rent Guidelines Board, Harvey helped achieve an unprecedented milestone: the first-ever rent freeze for one-year leases in the board’s 47-year history. This victory protected millions of New Yorkers in rent-stabilized apartments, preserving their homes and stability.

Since his election, Harvey has passed over 50 bills into law, prioritizing tenant protections and affordable housing. Now, He is running for the City Council because he believes there is more work to be done at the local level. As a member of the Council, he’ll tackle the housing and climate crises, break down barriers to mental health care access, invest in our youngest New Yorkers, and fight for the rights of people with disabilities.

Harvey lives in the East Village with his wife, Anita, their children, Leila and Joshua, and their beloved rescue dog, Homer. Together, they embody the vibrant, resilient spirit of the community he has served for decades.

https://www.peopleforharvey.com/