Brooklyn Residents Protest Homeless Shelter Plan, Citing "Bait-and-Switch"
Brooklyn, New York – Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Sheepshead Bay over the weekend to voice their strong opposition to a city plan to construct a homeless shelter at a site initially designated for affordable housing. The protestors, fueled by a sense of betrayal and lack of community input, marched and chanted, demanding that city officials reconsider their decision.
The controversy stems from a 2021 agreement where the community board approved plans for a five-story mixed-use building at 2134 Coyle St., featuring 120 apartments, with approximately 36 units earmarked as permanently affordable housing. However, after a developer withdrew from the project in 2023, city officials reportedly changed course and designated the location as a 175-unit homeless shelter for families with children who lack alternative housing options.
Residents claim that this change was made without any further consultation or approval from the community, leading to accusations of a "bait-and-switch" tactic. They argue that the city promised affordable housing and is now attempting to force a homeless shelter upon them without considering their concerns.
On Sunday, hundreds of protestors marched through Sheepshead Bay, chanting slogans like "Vote them out!" and carrying signs that read, "No shelters near playgrounds or schools," "Keep our street safe, keep shelters away," and "Children’s safety first, no homeless shelters!" The demonstration underscored the community’s deep frustration and anger over the perceived betrayal by city officials.
Mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, led the protest and expressed his support for the community’s cause. He stated that residents are prepared to take legal action to block the construction of the shelter, emphasizing that the site was originally intended for affordable housing, not a shelter. Sliwa criticized Mayor Eric Adams, attributing the decision to him and calling for elected officials to be held accountable.
"The community is going into court to try to block this bait-and-switch, which was supposed to be affordable housing," Sliwa said. "And now they’re trying to get it into a shelter. This is Eric Adams doing. 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."
The proposed shelter aims to provide temporary housing for families with children who have no other housing options available until suitable alternatives are found. However, residents fear that the shelter will negatively impact their community, leading to increased crime and safety concerns.
The New York Post reported that locals are cautious of homeless shelters, citing concerns about attracting crime and danger. Fruma Feldman, a 21-year-old Sheepshead Bay resident, expressed her concerns, stating, "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 that 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."
Dimple Willabus, a candidate for District 46 Council, urged residents to pressure local officials to listen to their concerns. She emphasized the importance of holding elected officials accountable and voting for representatives who will prioritize the community’s needs.
"It’s very important for us to continue the pressure," Willabus said. "We pressure our elected officials who put us in this situation…. we have the super power to vote for the right people, vote the wrong people out."
The protest in Sheepshead Bay highlights the ongoing tensions between city officials and local communities regarding the placement of homeless shelters. While the city faces a growing homelessness crisis and seeks to provide temporary housing for those in need, residents often resist the construction of shelters in their neighborhoods, citing concerns about safety, property values, and overall quality of life.
The conflict underscores the need for greater transparency, community engagement, and a more collaborative approach to addressing the homelessness crisis. Residents argue that they should have a meaningful voice in decisions that directly impact their neighborhoods and that city officials should honor their commitments and avoid making unilateral changes to agreed-upon plans.
The situation in Sheepshead Bay remains unresolved, with the community vowing to continue their fight against the proposed homeless shelter. The legal challenge initiated by residents and the ongoing protests demonstrate the depth of their opposition and their determination to protect their community from what they perceive as a detrimental project.
The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for future decisions regarding the placement of homeless shelters in New York City and other urban areas. It highlights the importance of balancing the needs of the homeless population with the concerns of local communities and ensuring that all stakeholders have a voice in the decision-making process.
