The upcoming event on the evening of July 19th (Saturday) at 7:00 PM will mark the one-year anniversary of the protest against the 86th Street homeless shelter project in the Bensonhurst community in Brooklyn. The event will take place in front of the proposed shelter location at 2501 86th Street and is co-hosted by State Assemblyman William Colton and City Council Member Susan Zhuang to acknowledge the residents’ steadfast commitment to community unity throughout the past year.
“Every day, the resilience and courage displayed by the community continue to inspire me,” said Assemblyman Colton. “From the moment they first heard about this project, they have staunchly opposed it and almost every day have stood their ground at the site. They understand that this project not only harms the community but is also detrimental to those who will be placed there.”
Since last summer when news broke that developers were preparing to demolish the existing building at 2501 86th Street, daily protests outside the construction site have been ongoing. Rain or shine, in scorching heat or freezing cold, residents have maintained a constant presence to prevent the project from moving forward.
The shelter project, which was first announced at the end of 2023, has faced widespread opposition from the beginning. According to city plans, the proposed shelter will accommodate 150 single men, many of whom are facing addiction or mental health challenges. Situated in a bustling commercial district adjacent to residential areas, religious institutions, daycare centers, and elderly service facilities, residents are concerned about the impact on community safety and quality of life.
It is reported that more than 53,000 people have signed petitions opposing the project to date, and several community gatherings have attracted thousands of residents.
Since the announcement of the homeless shelter project a year and a half ago, there has been nearly no progress. Council Member Susan Zhuang saluted the protesting residents for not only speaking up for themselves but also safeguarding a peaceful home for future generations. She expressed gratitude for the community’s ongoing support and especially recognized the volunteers who have remained steadfast on 86th Street participating in the protests. The unity of the community is the key to our success, as long as the shelter project is ongoing, we will never give up!
Assemblyman Colton further pointed out, “The city spends billions of dollars annually on homeless shelter projects, but the primary beneficiaries of these expenditures are developers and operators. They are getting rich off taxpayers and the homeless in the city. Taxpayer money should be invested in real long-term solutions, such as developing permanent, affordable housing and providing support services to help homeless neighbors access what they truly need: a place to call home and tools to help them successfully rebuild their lives.”
The two elected officials stated that the anniversary event is not only a tribute to the residents’ year-long perseverance but also a new beginning for continued oversight and action in the future.