On March 15th, residents of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn marked the one-year anniversary of their protest against the construction of a homeless shelter at 2134 Coyle Street. Some local residents held a press conference near the construction site to reflect on the community’s year-long struggle and update on the progress of the project.
Among those present were representatives from the “Save South Brooklyn Alliance,” including Henry Zhu and Eddie, as well as Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse and State Assemblyman Michael Novakhov.
Henry Zhu stated that the community was initially promised affordable housing on the site but it was later changed to a homeless shelter plan, leaving residents feeling deceived. Over the past year, the community has tried multiple times to communicate with relevant city agencies such as the Department of Buildings (DOB) and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) but has not received any formal meetings or responses.
He connected the issue with the city’s budget and the use of public resources, citing concerns about the lack of transparency in some contracts related to homeless services during the budget review process.
Zhu emphasized the need for rigorous auditing and scrutiny of projects like the one at 2134 Coyle Street to ensure that taxpayers’ funds are being used appropriately. He also expressed gratitude for the community’s support over the past year, highlighting the unity and dedication shown by volunteers, residents, businesses, and seniors who have supported the cause.
Eddie, a resident representative, shared the latest developments at the 2134 Coyle Street construction site following a stop-work order issued by the Department of Buildings, which was also issued for the neighboring 2150 Coyle Street site.
Eddie explained that the developer has been instructed to separate the two sites with wooden fencing and independent entrances before construction can resume. Both sites are currently at a standstill due to the ongoing separation process.
Residents’ continuous complaints and monitoring of the construction progress were cited as crucial factors leading to these outcomes.
The developer’s plan to lease the completed building to the government for use as a homeless shelter adds significance to the timely commencement of the project. Delays beyond May 2027 could result in substantial penalties for the developer for contract violations with banks and government, potentially stalling the project.
Concerns were raised regarding the lack of full demolition permits for the 2134 Coyle Street site. Should the developer apply for comprehensive demolition permits, the community plans to appeal to the New York City Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA). The Department of Buildings acknowledged issues with the shared construction practices between the two sites and requested their full separation.
Future actions, depending on the Department of Buildings’ handling and enforcement, could involve either the demolition and rebuilding of structurally unsound properties or the reinstatement of prior conditions followed by reapplication for relevant permits.
With various factors affecting the project’s progress, such as permits, site separation, and legal procedures, the community faces considerable uncertainties. However, Eddie remains optimistic about the community’s chances in the ongoing case and revealed that an appeal has been submitted to the BSA, awaiting a hearing schedule.
Councilwoman Narcisse expressed her support for residents to voice community concerns and reiterated her stance in favor of affordable housing construction rather than a homeless shelter, urging the city to honor its original promise of affordable housing plans.
State Assemblyman Novakhov commended the residents for their prolonged efforts in safeguarding community safety, dubbing them as local heroes. He criticized New York City’s homeless services system as “broken,” highlighting the high monthly expenditure per homeless person and calling for a reevaluation of fund allocations.