Years before her current appointment, Cea Weaver faced a significant hurdle: rejection by the NYC Council for a key city planning commission position. Assemblyman Kalman Yeger recalls the Council signaling strong opposition, deeming her views too extreme for such an influential role.
The core of the resistance stemmed from Weaver’s past statements, particularly those characterizing homeownership as a “weapon of white supremacy” and advocating for property as a “collective good.” These comments, resurfaced during the commission consideration, ignited a firestorm of controversy.
Yeger pointedly observed that it appeared easier to appoint Weaver to a position *without* Council confirmation, a pointed critique of the current situation. He detailed how enough council members made their opposition clear in 2021, ultimately forcing the withdrawal of her nomination.
The issue wasn’t simply a disagreement with political philosophy, Yeger explained. He emphasized the specific, verbatim statements Weaver had made, finding them deeply problematic and offensive.
Yeger specifically highlighted the impact such rhetoric could have on his constituents – Black, Latino, and Caribbean-American families who had worked tirelessly to achieve homeownership. He argued that labeling their accomplishment as participation in “white supremacy” was not only ridiculous but deeply insensitive.
While Yeger couldn’t pinpoint the exact number, he confirmed that a “good number” of council members shared his concerns. Beyond her statements, some also expressed reservations about the far-left organizations Weaver had previously aligned with.
Facing renewed scrutiny, Weaver acknowledged regretting “some” of her past comments, though she refrained from specifying which ones. This ambiguity did little to quell the ongoing debate surrounding her views.
The controversy even drew a sharp rebuke from former Mayor Eric Adams, who publicly questioned Weaver’s judgment in blunt terms. Weaver responded by defending her decades of experience advocating for affordable housing and asserting she wasn’t “out of her mind.”
Weaver maintained that her focus remains on addressing “racial inequalities” and ensuring access to safe, affordable housing for all New Yorkers, regardless of whether they rent or own. She emphasized her commitment to strengthening tenants’ rights in her new role.
Despite the lingering questions about her past statements, Weaver insists her dedication to creating a more equitable housing system remains unwavering. She believes her experience speaks for itself, and she is determined to deliver on her promises to New Yorkers.
