For over a month now, hundreds of protesters have gathered daily in front of 2501 Benson Avenue in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, to oppose the city’s decision to build a homeless shelter in that location.
On August 21st (Wednesday), the protest entered its 36th day, with State Assemblyman William Colton leading local businesses in another demonstration. Hundreds of participants chanted slogans such as “USA, USA” and “Fight, Fight,” filling the gathering with protest signs and American flags.
Assemblyman Colton strongly criticized the city’s homeless shelter policy during the rally, calling it “a failed urban policy that benefits developers and property owners but does not help the homeless.” He emphasized that the community is full of sympathy, but the current policy fails to address the root issues, costing taxpayers $8 billion annually. He pointed out that this struggle is not just about the community but also about the interests of all taxpayers in the city.
City Councilor Helen Kuo received warm cheers from the attendees at the rally. She stated, “We cannot allow such homeless shelters to be built near schools, daycare centers, senior centers, and businesses,” as this would pose a serious threat to the community. She criticized the city government for not communicating with the community when making decisions, ignoring the community’s voice, and pledged to stand in solidarity with the community until the goal is achieved.
Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis pointed out that New York City used to prioritize common-sense governance, putting public safety first, but the current situation is vastly different. Criminals are being released back onto the streets, mental health beds are being revoked and redirected to the shelter system, leading to the spread of crime throughout the city. She criticized funds being diverted from public services such as the police department, schools, and libraries to pay for the exorbitant costs of shelters, ultimately benefiting developers and property owners. She called for an end to this corrupt money game, emphasizing the need to properly help people while protecting taxpayers’ interests.
State Assemblyman John Cheng and Chen Xueli, running for State Senator in the 17th District of Bensonhurst, both expressed gratitude to everyone who has been protesting steadfastly in the past 36 days, rain or shine.
Representatives from the Jewish, Italian, and Albanian communities also voiced their support at the rally. Italian-American business leader Vinny LaPorta urged developers to collaborate with the community to promote projects beneficial to the community instead of building homeless shelters. “Let us love you,” he said.
Li Zhipo, president of the Bay Parkway Chinese Chamber of Commerce, added, “Every business on Bay Parkway will stand up to support this movement until victory is achieved.”
After news spread that developers were preparing to begin demolishing existing buildings, the daily protest activities commenced immediately. Hundreds of people stayed on-site from morning till night to ensure developers do not proceed with demolition on their own. Local businesses also actively supported the protests, providing food and other supplies to protesters daily. One business even offered 100 lunches to protesters on-site each day. The protests have also sparked political mobilization in the community, with around 3,000 new voters registering to participate in the upcoming elections.
As the protests continue, the voices against the homeless shelter grow stronger. This project has already attracted thousands of protesters and around 53,000 petition signatories against it. Community residents and leaders emphasize that the real solution to homelessness is to provide permanent affordable housing and appropriate support services, rather than just setting up shelters.