BY PAOLA SACERDOTE
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani made a surprise visit to the Bronx borough’s holiday tree lighting ceremony at Lou Gehrig Plaza of the Grand Concourse on December 5th.
Before the tree lighting which was sponsored by television station Univision, Bronx Borough President Vanesa Gibson introduced Mamdani to begin the ceremony.
Mamdani expressed his appreciation for the borough and made promises to make the Bronx an affordable and safer place for locals.
“We are going to make sure that no longer The Bronx is the forgotten borough of the city,” said Mamdani.
Mamdani answered questions as to why the Bronx is considered a forgotten city. He explained that in many budget decisions the Bronx is not included.
“This is going to be the borough where we deliver our fast and free buses, the borough where we deliver on rent freeze, the borough where we deliver universal child care,” said Mamdani.
As the Mayor-elect delivered his speech the crowd applauded and cheered.
“I was not aware that the Bronx was a forgotten borough but I hope Mamdani does keep his word,” said daycare worker Maria Cerano who was at the event.
Gibson took the stage and informed the crowd of Univision’s annual toy giveaway for those hundreds of people who attended the ceremony.
As the night was filled with music and joy Santa arrived with bags of toys to hand out to the kids one by one.
“I have brought my two kids to the toy giveaway and yet to be disappointed, many beautiful gifts that the kids enjoy”, said local Miranda Gomez.
Univision has partnered with past and current Bronx Borough presidents for their annual tree lighting at Lou Gehrig Plaza for many years. The ceremony has featured elected officials, high school choirs, NYPD bands, local musicians, and a Univision toy drive.
Many people approach Mamdani asking questions on his future plans for the borough and suggestions on their unique situations.
“I know too many Bronx sites that are having to look at if they can even stay in this city any longer”, said Mamdani. “We are going to transform the most expensive city in this state”.