Brooklyn Residents Protest City’s Shift from Affordable Housing to Homeless Shelter

Brooklyn Residents Protest City’s Shift from Affordable Housing to Homeless Shelter

Demonstrators voiced their discontent in Brooklyn, New York, over the weekend, protesting city plans to transform a previously approved site for affordable housing into a homeless shelter. Locals termed the city’s actions a bait-and-switch tactic that disregarded community interests.

On Sunday, hundreds of protestors marched through Sheepshead Bay, chanting slogans like “Vote them out” as city officials announced their intent to build a homeless shelter at the site initially promised as a housing project. This shift followed the withdrawal of a developer from the affordable housing plan that received community approval in 2022.

Residents expressed outrage at the lack of community consultation regarding the sudden change that took place in 2023. The announcement caught many off guard, igniting feelings of mistrust toward city leaders.

Community Outcry Against the Shelter Plan

Activists rallied for hours, brandishing signs with strong messages such as “No shelters near playgrounds or schools,” “Keep our street safe, keep shelters away,” and “Children’s safety first, no homeless shelters!” The overwhelming presence of community members demonstrated their commitment to challenging the city’s decision.

Curtis Sliwa, mayoral candidate and Guardian Angels founder, took the lead in the protest, openly criticizing city officials for their handling of the matter. He articulated the community’s frustration, stating, “The community is going into court to try to block this bait-and-switch, which was supposed to be affordable housing. And now they’re trying to get it into a shelter. This is Eric Adams’ doing.”

Calls for Action and Accountability

Sliwa continued to emphasize the lack of representation from elected officials at the rally. He remarked, “Hundreds and hundreds of people came out here to join in solidarity. So if you didn’t see your elected official here, I don’t care if you’re a Democrat or a Republican, clearly they were on the side of having a shelter.” His comments reflect the deepening divide between community expectations and government actions.

Despite attempts to reach city hall for comments, there was no immediate response from officials regarding the protest or the community’s concerns.

Background of the Housing Project

The site in question, located at 2134 Coyle St., was originally set to be developed into a five-story mixed-use building featuring 120 apartments, of which approximately 36 were designated as permanently affordable housing. Community board approval was granted in 2021, reflecting a significant effort by local residents to address housing shortages.

However, the city’s shift in plans to convert the location into a 175-unit homeless shelter for families has raised serious concerns. The announcement indicated these arrangements would be temporary, aimed at providing shelter until viable housing alternatives could be explored.

Mixed Reactions to Shelters in the Community

Community members are not simply opposed to the shelter due to its proximity to families and schools. Many harbor apprehensions related to the potential consequences of opening a homeless shelter in their neighborhood, as evidenced by testimonies from various residents.

Fruma Feldman, a 21-year-old Sheepshead Bay resident, shared her perspective, emphasizing, “I do believe homeless people should have a place to go, but I was talking to my dad earlier and he told me that he has homeless friends who are scared to be in these shelters because of how dangerous the other people that are there are. It’s not even safe for a lot of homeless people to be there. So, with that being said, I don’t think it should be here.” Feldman’s sentiment mirrors a growing fear among residents about the safety implications of the facility.

Empowering Residents to Demand Change

Dimple Willabus, a candidate seeking to represent District 46, urged community members to remain vocal in their demands for accountability from local officials. She stated, “It’s very important for us to continue the pressure. We pressure our elected officials who put us in this situation. We have the superpower to vote for the right people, vote the wrong people out.” Willabus’s call to action encapsulates the sentiments of many who believe community input is crucial in local governance.

Looking Ahead

As the protest against the proposed homeless shelter highlights significant community concerns, it underscores the need for transparency and responsiveness from city officials. The situation in Sheepshead Bay is emblematic of a broader struggle faced by communities across the country as they navigate the complexities of affordable housing and homelessness. Deviating from established community agreements without adequate consultation can lead to deep-seated resentment and distrust.

In light of ongoing tensions, it remains imperative for city leaders to engage actively with constituents. Moving forward, fostering open dialogues and prioritizing community input could significantly mitigate opposition while promoting collaborative solutions to housing dilemmas that affect so many urban areas. As Brooklyn residents continue to rally for their voices to be heard, the outcomes of their efforts may set important precedents for community-government relationships in similar contexts.

The outcome of this protest could pave the way for more attentive governance and hopefully ensure that the voices of the residents are respected in future decisions about housing and social services in their neighborhoods.