Residents Protest Family Homeless Shelter Construction in Sheepshead Bay

Residents Protest Family Homeless Shelter Construction in Sheepshead Bay

(DailyVantage.com) – Brooklyn’s Sheepshead Bay residents fiercely protest a homeless shelter, igniting a complex community debate.

At a Glance

  • Protesters camp 24/7 against a 169-family shelter on Coyle Street.
  • Residents fear increased crime and demand permit changes.
  • The city changed plans from affordable housing to a homeless shelter.
  • Local businesses support the protests with food and necessities.

Construction Concerns

Residents in Brooklyn’s Sheepshead Bay have engaged in continuous protests for over a month against the construction of a 169-family homeless shelter on Coyle Street. The demonstrations include setting up a campsite with around-the-clock shifts, highlighting deep community concern over a shift from an originally planned affordable housing project to a homelessness facility.

The protestors argue that the shelter will lead to increased crime and safety concerns, especially given the proximity of schools and daycare centers. Construction crews have been allegedly caught working odd hours, adding fuel to their claims of improper practices. A court order has limited them to the sidewalk, but their commitment remains undeterred.

Community Support

The movement has seen tangible support from local businesses, which have supplied food, and even a donor who provided a port-a-potty for the campsite. The protest led by City Council member Mercedes Narcisse has unified diverse residents, including a strong contingent from the older Chinese American community. Participants continue to stress their demand for city officials to stop the project and revert to the original affordable housing proposal.

“Everyday. Anytime, until there’s no homeless shelter. Until the project is gone.” – Danny Pan

The city’s decision to switch plans comes as a shock to many who feel blindsided by a lack of meaningful consultation. City officials emphasize the necessity of community support to effectively tackle homelessness, and Westhab, the shelter’s developer, maintains that all procedures were adequately observed.

Future Plans

The shelter, slated to open in 2027, is expected to integrate with the community and enhance local safety with planned patrols and security measures. Despite assurances, the loss of originally promised affordable housing sparks distrust. Individuals like Curtis Silwa express dissatisfaction with the perceived increasing influence of financial incentives over community welfare. Residents worry the shelter will blight an otherwise family-friendly neighborhood.

“A homeless shelter means uncontrolled men and others roaming the streets with no oversight whatsoever. No vetting, no medical checks, because it’s a money game. There are contracts. And from that, there are kickbacks.” – Curtis Silwa

The debate exemplifies escalating tensions between communities and city planning. Each side claims to have the community’s best interest at heart, but the project’s controversy highlights a persistent disconnect in public policy execution. Only time will tell if a middle ground can be achieved to accommodate community concerns while addressing the demands of one of New York’s toughest challenges: homelessness.

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