New York Mayoral Hopeful Scott Stringer Unveils SHIELD Plan to Protect Federal Buildings and the Essential Public Services They Provide

Stringer: “What Trump is floating is not just a bad idea—it’s a direct assault on the public services that millions of New Yorkers rely on.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK — Mayoral candidate and former City Comptroller Scott Stringer today spoke outside the Jacob Javits Federal Building to launch a major new land-use proposal to safeguard New York City’s federal buildings—and the essential public services they house.

Stringer warned that Trump’s plan to sell off public properties could mean the loss of critical services New Yorkers rely on every day, including Social Security benefits, veterans’ health care, immigration interviews, and labor protections.

The plan, known as SHIELD—Safeguarding Historic Infrastructure through Effective Land-use Defenses—would establish a new zoning framework to ensure that no federal facility currently serving New Yorkers can be repurposed or sold for private development without going through the City’s public land-use review process.

“What Trump is floating is not just a bad idea—it’s a direct assault on the public services that millions of New Yorkers rely on,” said Stringer. “These facilities simply cannot be allowed to be stolen in the middle of the night—they provide services for working people, seniors, immigrants, and veterans.”

The plan:

New Zoning Classification: “Federal Use”: All federally-owned buildings currently serving the public will be designated under a new zoning label. They’ll retain their existing zoning—but will now require special review for any change in use, just like hotels or parks.

Mandatory Public Review: If any building is sold or proposed for conversion, it must undergo full ULURP—triggering review by community boards, borough presidents, the City Planning Commission, and the City Council.

Clear Standards for Redevelopment: Any proposed project must (1) replace any displaced public services, (2) fit the character of the neighborhood, (3) comply with all planning and environmental rules.

The full remarks, photos, and video are available here. Scott’s top quotes:

“This is about protecting Social Security offices, veterans’ clinics, immigration service centers—buildings that working New Yorkers rely on, every day.”

“So what Trump is floating is not just a bad idea—it’s a direct assault on the public services that millions of New Yorkers rely on.”

“This is how you stop a corrupt, dangerous agenda—by empowering people with the laws on the books.”

“You beat [Trump] with policy. With facts. With smart, strategic solutions that get results.”

“When Trump comes for New York—with tariffs, with budget threats, or with fire sales like this one—we don’t just react. We lead. We govern. We use every tool in our toolbox—including land-use law—to defend what belongs to New Yorkers.”