BREAKING: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has unveiled a bold housing proposal during a meeting with former President Donald Trump on February 26, 2026. The plan aims to address the city’s housing crisis by constructing the largest rail deck in the world over Amtrak’s Sunnyside Yard in Queens, which would support over 12,000 housing units.
In an urgent press briefing, Mayor Mamdani emphasized the critical nature of housing in New York City, describing it as the “foremost crisis” that demands immediate action. “It was a productive meeting… housing is a place of immense interest across the political spectrum,” he stated. This proposal marks a significant potential partnership with federal authorities to tackle the city’s escalating housing needs.
Mamdani’s vision includes not just housing, but also essential community amenities such as parks, child care facilities, and hospitals, creating an entirely new neighborhood. “We put forward a proposal to build more housing in a single project than the city has seen since 1973,” he said. The mayor highlighted that this initiative would surpass the combined housing output of Hudson Yards and Battery Park City.
During the meeting, Mamdani reported that Trump showed interest in the proposal, paving the way for further discussions. “I anticipate this will be the subject of conversations to continue,” he added.
Mamdani acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting, “It is going to be a long process.” However, he stressed the importance of utilizing precious urban land effectively. “Here lies an opportunity to create more land by building the largest rail deck the world has ever seen,” he explained.
In addition to housing, the mayor addressed other pressing issues, including the controversial ICE raids. Mamdani expressed his concerns regarding the detention of Columbia University student Ellie Aghayeva, stating, “ICE raids are not only cruel; they do nothing to advance the cause of public safety.” He urged Trump to consider dropping cases that unjustly threaten individuals with deportation.
The mayor’s proposal and discussion with Trump underscore a pivotal moment for New York City as it seeks innovative solutions to its housing crisis. Residents and advocates are closely watching these developments, as successful implementation could reshape the urban landscape and provide much-needed relief for the city’s housing shortage.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
