A wave of fury surges among Brooklyn inhabitants who accuse local authorities of deceptive scheming to convert a proposed affordable housing structure into a new shelter for the homeless. The frustrated crowd of demonstrators — a mixed gathering of parents, entrepreneurs, and community politicians — assembled in Sheepshead Bay on Tuesday, voicing their protest ‘who decides’ in front of the disputed property on Coyle Street. The protestors believe they have been misled by city representatives, expressing anxieties over the potential surge in crime rates in their otherwise tranquil residential vicinity.
One of the locals, whose residence is just steps away from the intended site, passionately alleged, ‘We’ve been deceived. They spun untruths. When one lies — reality inevitably surfaces.’ He continued, ‘They’ve been found out. And we’re not backing down, this is not going to transform into a homeless shelter under any circumstance.’
The parcel at 2134 Coyle Street is anticipated to welcome its first inhabitants this summer, acting as the borough’s inaugural long-term shelter for the homeless. It will provide refuge for 169 families, with priority given to those currently living within the surrounding community. The site had been a long-considered space for affordable housing and was endorsed by the City Council in 2022 as a mixed-purpose structure with 119 residential units and retail establishments on the ground level.
However, plans encountered a seismic shift the following year, the original developer decided to abandon the project. Under the new plans, the incoming shelter is set to accommodate 169 families. An allegation was made that the introduction of a homeless population could incite a crime wave in the community, regardless of the shelter being intended for families living there.
Shared by many demonstrators was the fear about the prospective hike in crime rates. They highlighted the proximity of the shelter to various daycare centers located along Avenue U, alongside elementary and middle schools just a few blocks away. A local stylist and barber stated, ‘This is my home area. My kids always walk around here. What we desire is more safety.’ He was seen diligently collecting signatures for a petition intended to persuade the city to halt the shelter plans.
Despite the protests, officials confirm that they intend to open the shelter as scheduled this summer. According to an official spokesperson, ‘This location will be a pioneering facility in the council district, extending support to 169 homeless families — including those with school-aged children. This support will help these families stand on their feet and eventually transition into permanent homes. Moreover, those who are part of the existing community will have priority when seeking placement in this facility.’
In a statement, the spokesperson elaborated, ‘City representatives first informed local elected officers of our intention to establish this shelter over a year and a half ago, well ahead of its projected ready date. While the decision to change the site’s purpose was taken by the private owner, not the city, we remain committed to collaborating with the community to resolve all apprehensions.’
The communicator added, ‘Our primary concentration rests on guaranteeing that each neighborhood has the necessary resources to help those community members in need.’ As per information provided by the Department of Social Services, the constructed building will employ a security staff who will be responsible for community patrols, thereby ensuring safety for both its inhabitants and the neighboring residents.