With Cumbo in the clear, Crown Heights armory is in de Blasio’s hands
City Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo’s win in a contentious Brooklyn primary Tuesday sets the stage for a deal on the administration’s Crown Heights armory project. And because her positions on the development have largely been laid out, the question now is whether the mayor will be willing to make concessions that run counter to a lucrative housing strategy he likes to employ.
Cumbo wins decisively in Crown Heights despite contentious development proposal
Cumbo secured 58 percent of the vote over Ede Fox’s 42 percent in the heated Brooklyn race, according to New York City Board of Elections returns.
No polls were circulated from the district, but it was considered one of the most competitive races in the city. Fox won 26 percent to Cumbo’s 35 percent in the same matchup four years ago, and this cycle she raised $83,000 in private donations to Cumbo’s $121,203 — a notable amount for a challenger to an incumbent.
Cumbo Outdistances Fox To Retain Her City Council Seat
According to the preliminary numbers, Cumbo received 10,116 votes, or 58 percent of the electorate, while Fox received 7,304 votes, or 42 percent of the electorate.
Bedford-Union Armory opponent loses Council race
“It’s an interesting test case to see if you can run a whole campaign on one land-use item. Ede staked her claim on one land-use issue and she was overwhelmingly rejected,” Councilmember David Greenfield told Politico. “[Cumbo] made it clear to me months ago she would not support the armory [deal] in its current form. She made that clear from day one. Ede was yelling louder, and it’s easier when you run a one-issue campaign, but I think people trust Laurie.”
Stay on de Blasio’s good side or else, says top City Council aide
“If you have someone that’s hated by the mayor, that basically has been run through the mud, you’re not going to get that pothole fixed,” said Monica Abend, referring to opponent Ede Fox, a former aide to Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.
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Politicians playing favorites to fellow elected officials who publicly praise them — or punishing those who are critical — is nothing new.But the Abend tape is remarkable in that she details how the dynamic affects nuts-and-bolts services like filling potholes.
Abend refused to comment on the exchange, but did not deny it took place. Cumbo also declined to answer questions.