Exclusive | Overwhelming number of New Yorkers support changes to take mentally ill off streets, subways: poll

Nearly 90% of New York City voters support expanding involuntary commitment and care of mentally ill residents roaming the streets or the subway, according to a new poll.The findings from the Association for a Better New York showed a staggering 88% of voters supported expanded treatment — as Gov.Kathy Hochul’s bid to expand the involuntary commitment laws is facing some resistance in the legislature.“Do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose expanding the state eligibility standard for involuntary treatment and care to include individuals who are unable to care for themselves and meet their basic needs?” the survey asked.Of the 600 voters polled only 4% said they were opposed and 8% were undecided as support for change was overwhelming in all parts of the city and demographic groups.More than nine in 10 voters (91%) also agreed with the statement that “it is more compassionate to provide involuntary treatment and care for people with severe mental illness than it is to leave them on the streets” — including a majority (53%) who strongly agree with that statement.Similarly, 91% of voters agree that “people struggling with severe mental illness should not be denied life-saving psychiatric care because their illness prevents them from recognizing that they need help” — including 59% who strongly agree.The poll — conducted by Tulchin Research for ABNY — also found that 73% of voters said that the number of public safety incidents in New York involving individuals with untreated severe mental illness has increased in recent years.

Some 18% said the number has stayed the same, and just 4% said it has decreased.“New Yorkers are rightfully concerned about their safety,” said Steven Rubenstein, chairman of ABNY.“This isn’t just from watching the news.

It is rooted in the firsthand experiences that New Yorkers are having in the transit system every single day.“There is an overwhelming consensus spanni...