【July 3, 2024, Epoch Times News】The New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) plans to convert the Hampton Inn in Lower Manhattan into a shelter for single adults this fall. The shelter is located just around the corner from the Peck Slip School at South Street Seaport, approximately 246 feet (about 75 meters) away from the “school gates”. The low threshold for shelter admission, allowing individuals with a history of crime and drug use, has sparked discussions between the community board and public school parents.
During the full council meeting of the Manhattan Community Board 1 on June 25, many residents voiced their opposition to the decision to establish a shelter at 320 Pearl Street. Southbridge Towers resident, Karen Wang, cited the case of Christina Yuna Lee, who was tragically killed in her home by a homeless individual who followed her from a shelter two years ago. This incident has raised concerns about similar situations occurring in the South Street area.
Chairman of Southbridge Towers, Adam Sinovsky, also expressed worries about the shelter at 320 Pearl Street, stating, “The shelter is essentially located right next to the school (Peck Slip School), adjacent to the building. Many children from the towers attend this school, which is one of the reasons why parents are attracted to move into the community.” Sinovsky further pointed out that in addition to the shelter at 320 Pearl Street, another shelter for single adults at 41-43 Beekman Street is “on the other side of the building,” raising concerns about potential incidents necessitating the closure of the campus.
“To reiterate, I am not against the concept of a shelter, but this location is not suitable,” said Sinovsky.
The Manhattan Community Board 1 stated that the city government only informed Chairperson Tammy Meltzer in mid-June and passed a resolution opposing the establishment of a shelter for single adults next to the elementary school. They suggested that the city convert the shelter into a family-oriented facility to accommodate homeless children for school enrollment.
Both the shelter at 320 Pearl Street and 41-43 Beekman Street have faced public opposition with petitions on change.org. Currently, nearly 900 people are against the Pearl Street shelter, while over 2,100 oppose the homeless shelter on Beekman Street.
Danyela Souza Egorov, Co-founder of “Families for New York” and Vice Chair of the Manhattan Community District 2 Education Council, expressed her hope that Mayor Adams could visit the community as locals do not want shelters near schools. Egorov highlighted that news of the Pearl Street shelter was only released in the final week of the school term, leaving everyone “shocked.”
The shelter at 320 Pearl Street can accommodate 106 single adults. In addition to its proximity to the school, the concern stems from its status as a low-threshold facility named “Shelter,” meaning that single adults, even with criminal records and drug histories, would be able to utilize the shelter.
A spokesperson for the New York City Department of Social Services, in a response to Epoch Times, stated on July 2, that, “Providing basic services and support to homeless New Yorkers is crucial, and every community in New York City has sufficient safety net resources to assist those most in need. It is essential. The high-quality shelter will be operated in collaboration with experienced non-profit partner ‘Breaking Ground,’ offering temporary housing and specialized services to meet the needs of homeless New Yorkers. The number of homeless individuals in the area has increased, and such facilities help our efforts to transition more New Yorkers from the streets and subways into shelters and permanent housing. We look forward to launching this important resource, and as always, we remain committed to maintaining open communication channels with the community, working together to support our vulnerable neighbors and address any issues that may arise.”
The spokesperson noted that Breaking Ground, the operator of the shelter at 320 Pearl Street, will provide 24/7 stationed security with guards stationed at the entrance, controlling access to the building. At least six security guards will be on duty at all times, and around 60 cameras will be installed in the building and facilities. The Department of Social Services in New York City, along with the Department of Homeless Services and Breaking Ground, will maintain open communication with the community to address any issues promptly.
Furthermore, the spokesperson for the Department of Social Services stated that the shelter at 320 Pearl Street will cater to 106 homeless individuals, including both male and female.
“Given the population density of New York City, shelters near schools are not uncommon, and ‘Breaking Ground’ has extensive experience in operating such facilities without any incidents. They will work closely with school leadership and security departments to maintain open lines of communication, ensuring smooth and safe operations,” the statement read.
The Department of Social Services notified the community in June of the shelter’s plans to open this fall and assured that at least 30 days’ notice would be given before operations begin at the shelter location.