In a recent twist, the controversial homeless shelter project at 2501 86th Street in the Bensonhurst community of Brooklyn has hit a roadblock. According to local councilwoman Susan Zhuang, her office was informed during a call with City Hall on Monday (June 30) that there are currently “no immediate plans” for the project, indicating a temporary halt and a short-term victory for opponents.
However, community members have told the “Eagle News” that the Department of Social Services (DSS) stated on June 27 that the site was intended to be repurposed into a “high-quality facility” to provide housing and support services for 175 families with children.
On this matter, Susan Zhuang clarified to “Epoch Times” that everything is currently “on hold” and she has not received any notice of a change in use or a transformation into a family shelter. She emphasized, “There was no mention of it being changed into a family shelter, there is no such statement.”
During the primary election earlier this year, Zhuang publicly supported former Governor Andrew Cuomo for mayor, who eventually lost to Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani. The mayoral race in November will feature Adams, Mamdani, Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
When asked if the final fate of the homeless shelter project would only be determined after the November election, Zhuang stated, “I don’t think we will have to wait until after the election.” She pointed out that if the issue remains unresolved, she will “rebel,” not only withdrawing her support for Adams but openly opposing him.
She emphasized, “I have already given the heads up. If you do not resolve this, our community cannot support you, and I will also fight against you.”
Regarding the possibility of supporting Adams again, she responded, “No. I will not support him until he withdraws this (shelter project).”
Zhuang questioned whether putting the project “on hold” was merely an election strategy to temporarily appease opposition and secure swing votes. She remarked, “If they later say they will continue to build, wouldn’t that be deception?” The status of being “on hold” does not rule out the project being revived in the future, so the community should not let their guard down.
According to data released by the Adams administration on June 20, approximately 4,504 homeless individuals were estimated to be sleeping on the streets this year, a slight increase from the previous year. This data is derived from the annual Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) conducted in January, estimating the number of street homeless individuals. The DSS stated that despite the increase in numbers, street homeless individuals only account for 3.5% of the total population, marking one of the lowest percentages in years.
The survey was conducted while the influx of asylum seekers to New York City decreased, but the number of non-immigrant New Yorkers sleeping in shelters increased. According to a report by the Coalition for the Homeless, the number of non-immigrant New Yorkers sleeping in shelters in 2024 increased by 12% compared to the previous year.
DSS Commissioner Molly Wasow Park stated that the city is working to place the homeless in temporary and permanent housing, but with a vacancy rate of just 1.4%, the task becomes more challenging. She emphasized, “Even in the face of an unprecedented humanitarian crisis and a shortage of housing resources, we remain committed to serving every New Yorker in need.”
Furthermore, the DSS pointed out that despite federal and state budget cuts shifting financial pressure to the city, New York City’s shelter system continues to be a major source of support for vulnerable populations. In 2023, 43% of those released from incarceration and around 1,000 individuals discharged from state mental hospitals were placed in the city’s shelter system.
However, homeless advocacy groups have long questioned the accuracy of the HOPE count, believing that the winter night survey does not fully reflect the number of people staying in hospitals, banks, or fast-food restaurants overnight.