Brooklyn’s Bensonhurst community has been protesting against the establishment of a homeless shelter at 2501 86th Street for 611 days and counting. On March 20th, State Senator Chen Xueli, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, and a representative from State Assemblyman John Chan’s office held a press conference at the disputed location to update on the progress of the project, legislative actions, and community strategies, drawing support from hundreds of residents.
Sen. Chen Xueli pointed out three weeks ago to Mayor’s office that 2501 86th Street would be more suitable for building senior housing due to its proximity to transportation, businesses, and schools, allowing the elderly to maintain their family lives and community connections. He emphasized, “Mayor, this is your chance to become a hero in South Brooklyn.”
He criticized the city government for pushing projects like the one at 2134 Coyle Street in Sheepshead Bay through a “bait and switch” method—initially marketed as affordable housing but ultimately converted for shelter use, leaving residents feeling deceived. He bluntly stated that such practices erode government credibility, saying, “Enough, stop playing these games.”
Regarding alternative solutions for the homeless, he suggested that the city government should prioritize using existing resources, such as the 70 percent vacant Reck Island facility or existing immigrant detention spaces, rather than constructing shelters in densely residential areas.
Sen. Chen Xueli mentioned that he has introduced Bill S5554, which prohibits the setting up of shelters within 500 feet of a subway station; Assemblyman John Chan has introduced a corresponding bill, A6909, in the State Assembly. While versions of the bills exist in both houses, more legislators’ endorsements are needed. Moreover, the community and representatives are working administratively and legally to halt the project’s advancement, including challenging the Department of Buildings’ permit process before the NYC Board of Standards and Appeals and litigation over the developer’s use of private driveways. Until several unresolved issues are settled, the project is unlikely to progress to the construction phase.
Sen. Chen Xueli stressed that there is currently no timetable for the project to begin construction, with only partial demolition permits issued. He stated, “Construction won’t start this month,” but it may progress in the future; the community will continue to use legal, legislative, and public mobilization methods to “do everything possible to prevent or delay” it.
Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis strongly criticized the high costs and lack of transparency in the shelter system. She noted that the monthly cost per resident amounted to $4,000, far exceeding regular housing expenses; the city government and developers signed high-value contracts, burdening taxpayers; locations initially designated for hotels or residential buildings ultimately became shelters; and the city has not disclosed the backgrounds of shelter residents, preventing residents from understanding safety risks.
She questioned, “Are we spending taxpayers’ money to increase community crimes? This makes no sense!”
Residents opposing the homeless shelter at 2134 Coyle Street in Sheepshead Bay also showed their support. Resident representative Eddie pointed out that some developers view the homeless shelter as a “business model that can profit from taxpayers” and criticized local lawmakers for not actively supporting legislative restrictions by Sen. Chen Xueli and Assemblyman John Chan.
Henry Zhu, representing the Save Southern Brooklyn Alliance, estimated that after completion at 2134 Coyle Street, the monthly rent for a single unit could reach up to $10,000, far exceeding the city’s current rental subsidy levels. He described this as a “scandal” and criticized the government for refusing to communicate with the community.
Local doctor Gary Chen cited the case of Korean-American woman Lee Youna being killed by a homeless person in Chinatown as an example, emphasizing the safety risks of placing shelters in school-dense areas and reaffirming that what the community truly needs is affordable and senior housing.
Following the rally, police set up barricades around the site. It has been reported that the Mayor’s office requested the dismantling of protest shelters built by residents in preparation for another anti-homeless shelter rally to be held by Council Member Zoe Wenyi and Assemblyman Cotton at the same location on March 28th.