City Hall’s plan to convert the “Gold Star Inn” in the southern end of Sheep’s Head Bay, Brooklyn, from a family shelter to a shelter for 110 single men experiencing homelessness has sparked protests from local residents and elected officials on the evening of the 16th. Residents expressed that they are not opposed to accommodating the homeless, but they believe the location, near residential areas and a children’s playground, is not suitable for a shelter for single men.
The “Gold Star Inn” has been housing families with children for the past year. The Department of Homeless Services (DHS) recently decided to relocate the existing 55 family units to a new facility with independent kitchens and more support services, with the placement of 110 single adult men set to begin as early as next week.
The Department of Social Services (DSS) stated that nearly 90% of the original families have already been relocated to more adequate permanent or transitional housing, and this adjustment will help in the city’s gradual cessation of housing families in commercial hotels, while providing a better living environment for male homeless individuals. The Social Services Department mentioned that they will continue to provide housing services in accordance with the New York City “Right to Shelter” policy and maintain communication with residents through the Community Advisory Committee.
However, local residents are concerned that the change in residents at the shelter could impact community safety and quality of life.
Resident Virginia Webster told Brooklyn News12 radio that in the past, only families resided there and never caused problems for the community. She expressed concerns about the potential presence of men hiding in bushes, making them feel vulnerable.
Fahad, a resident of nearby Brighton Beach, also mentioned incidents of vandalism, damage to parks, and inappropriate behavior in the community since the shelter for homeless individuals opened. He fears that the situation will worsen with the conversion to a shelter for single men.
Another concern of residents is that the city has confirmed that there will be no background checks conducted on the men staying at the shelter.
Local councilwoman Inna Vernikov, representing the area, wrote to the Department of Homeless Services, highlighting that the lack of background checks means that sex offenders and other serious criminals could potentially be housed there, increasing the safety risks to the community. She believes that the location is not suitable for a shelter for single men and has urged the city to reconsider the site selection.
The protest on the evening of the 16th also received support from Chinese residents in the Bensonhurst/86th Street area who oppose the shelter for homeless individuals, with over a dozen residents showing up with signs to express their solidarity, indicating continued community concern in various neighborhoods in Brooklyn.
It is worth noting that the non-profit organization BHRAGS, responsible for operating the shelter at the “Gold Star Inn,” has recently been embroiled in a corruption scandal.
Federal prosecutors in March of this year charged former Chairman of the Board Ronald Tirelus and former CEO Roberto Samedy of BHRAGS with allegations of embezzling over $1 million in public funds, accepting bribes from subcontractors, and telecommunications fraud, among other charges.
This week, City Comptroller Mark Levine announced a comprehensive audit of the $243 million no-bid shelter contracts awarded to BHRAGS by the Department of Homeless Services between 2022 and 2024, to investigate whether the city has properly monitored the contracts and if the related expenditures comply with the terms of the agreement.
The Social Services Department stated that they proactively reported anomalies to law enforcement authorities during the investigation process, which ultimately led to the federal charges. Currently, BHRAGS has replaced its management team, and the city has reduced the number of shelter locations operated by the organization from 9 during the Adams administration to 4, and will continue to enhance independent oversight.