(DailyChive.com) – Residents of Sheepshead Bay are entrenched in a persistent protest against a contentious family homeless shelter proposal on Coyle Street.
At a Glance
- Residents have been protesting for five weeks against a planned family homeless shelter.
- Protesters claim the shelter will increase crime in their neighborhood.
- Local businesses support the protest through donations.
- Residents aim to ensure construction adheres to proper permits.
Community Concerns and Actions
For over a month, Sheepshead Bay residents have camped out in tents, protesting a shift from planned affordable housing to a family homeless shelter on Coyle Street. Demonstrating steadfast dedication, they organize shifts to maintain a round-the-clock presence. Concerns that the shelter’s introduction will prompt a rise in crime have led to additional donations of supplies, including a port-a-potty, to sustain this drawn-out protest.
Brooklyn: Boro Park feisty residents protest homeless shelter opening up on 10th Ave 50 St: https://t.co/HiGlpgVkI1
— nycphotog (@nycphotog) March 14, 2025
Parents, business owners, and local politicians have vocalized safety concerns, especially due to the proximity to schools and daycare centers. Fueled by a sense of betrayal over a broken promise for affordable housing, protesters express dissatisfaction with city officials for what they see as inconsistent messaging and lack of community consideration.
Project Details and Developer’s Stance
Originally planned as a mixed-use development, the project was altered to a shelter for 169 families after the initial developer withdrew. Westhab, the non-profit behind the shelter, asserts it will assist homeless families in finding permanent solutions while maintaining community ties. Despite these assurances, residents remain steadfast in their opposition.
“Westhab hired construction companies to come and demolish the buildings, and they came at like crazy hours. One time they came at 6 a.m.” – Benjamin Louie.
Project developers and the city government are attempting to assuage concerns. They emphasize adequate security measures and fostering positive community relations. Regardless, the timeline for the shelter’s completion remains uncertain pending permit approvals, with plans for opening around 2027.
As I’ve previously stated, I stand with the Brooklyn community against the Bensonhurst homeless shelter and will continue to fight alongside them to stop it. With that being said, I’m deeply disappointed in Councilwoman Zhuang’s behavior at today’s protest. There is absolutely no… pic.twitter.com/HztaFEzXun
— Office of Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (@RepNicole) July 17, 2024
Voices from the Protest
City Council member Mercedes Narcisse, who is a prominent figure in the protest organization, criticizes city officials for inadequate community consultation before project changes were announced. Joining her, Curtis Silwa and other protest activists articulate their fears about crime and unsupervised individuals living near sensitive community areas.
“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. You make more money housing homeless people and then building affordable housing.” – Curtis Silwa.
Despite a court order limiting on-site protest activities, the community maintains their resolve from the sidewalk, determined to impede construction that defies authorized process and secure community interests first.
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