The controversial renovation project of the homeless shelter at 2134 Coyle Street in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn has reignited debates. The location was originally planned for affordable housing, but since the news broke that it will be converted into a homeless shelter, hundreds of local residents have been camping out in protest for over a month. Yesterday morning, police forcefully cleared the area, with three individuals being taken away by the authorities. A large number of police officers were deployed to the scene, equipped with riot gear, and warned the public through loudspeakers that they could face charges if they disrupted the order.
According to a protester named Andy Wang, around 6:15 a.m. that day, a large number of police officers swiftly arrived at the scene, including officers from the 61st Precinct and Mandarin-speaking officers from Manhattan, participating in the clearing operation. He said: “Over a hundred people showed up. They set up barricades to keep us away and elderly individuals who refused to leave were carried away. Our tents were thrown across the street.”
Since the end of March, protesters have taken turns camping out in front of 2134 Coyle Street and on Ford Street behind, setting up tents and hanging banners in an attempt to prevent the developer from starting construction. Andy Wang said that after the police cleared the area in the morning, a construction vehicle and several workers immediately entered the site, portable toilets and temporary guard booths were also delivered, and private security guards were stationed at the entrance. He expressed concerns, saying: “They will now have free access, and we won’t be able to stop them anymore.”
Local residents pointed out that three elderly protesters were carried away by the police for sitting on the construction vehicle’s path, received fines, and will have to appear in court. In response to this, local Council Member Mercedes Narcisse of the 46th District expressed disappointment and stated on Facebook: “I am saddened that several people were arrested before I arrived at the scene. I urge the public to protest peacefully and avoid escalating conflicts.”
Narcisse then communicated with the 61st Precinct and city officials, successfully securing the suspension of all construction activities that day. She pledged to continue pressing the Department of Buildings (DOB), demanding an extension on the halt, stating, “The scheduled demolition will not proceed that day. I am working to obtain a longer suspension until the DOB completes the review we requested, and before any demolition work begins, we have a clear and consistent construction plan.”
The three protesters were released by the police about two hours after being arrested. Narcisse stated that the 61st Precinct confirmed to her that no one was arrested during the police operation that day, only maintaining order and ensuring public safety.
On the same day, Narcisse, along with the Community Board 15, Council Member Inna Vernikov of the 48th District, and Assembly Member Kalman Yeger, jointly wrote a letter to DOB Commissioner James Oddo, requesting a comprehensive audit on the case. The letter highlighted that despite the imminent demolition, the originally approved affordable housing plan for the site remains unresolved. Therefore, the DOB is responsible for reviewing all permits and safety measures, ensuring that no construction activities take place without new approvals. The letter emphasized: “Many seniors have been guarding the construction site day and night, and any demolition action will immediately raise safety concerns.”
Narcisse later posted on Facebook: “Our elders and neighbors who are guarding the site day and night deserve full protection, and our community cannot accept any construction shortcuts that endanger lives.”
Furthermore, during a Community Board 15 meeting on the previous day, Narcisse announced that she is working on legislation to prohibit the city from repurposing projects originally planned as affordable housing for use as homeless shelters. She stated, “I have gotten all council members to commit to not allow such ‘bait and switch’ practices that deceive the community. We are still adjusting the wording of the bill to make it more comprehensive.”
She emphasized that as a former emergency room nurse turned public servant, she adheres to a methodical and responsible governing approach and will not compromise principles for political theatrics. “I don’t have to shout loudly, but I will strategize,” she said.
State Senator John Chan expressed support on Facebook from Albany and dispatched staff to assist those who were arrested at the scene: “Please protest peacefully to avoid arrest. If you are indeed arrested, we will help you.”
Council Member Sandy Chuang of the 43rd District criticized the city government for “using taxpayers’ resources to oppress minority groups,” stating, “The majority of protesters are Asians and the elderly, this is another example of us not being heard and respected.” She emphasized that the construction at the site had no valid permits, and the city’s actions severely damaged community trust.
Currently, the developer possesses a court order allowing construction to proceed. However, community representatives are hopeful that the upcoming court hearing on May 7 will bring progress, and residents are preparing to sue the developer, demanding a reassessment of the legality of their development plans and continuing to push for an emergency injunction regarding incomplete development documents.
Andy Wang admitted, “We are understaffed, but we will do our best. If more prominent figures speak out, the developer will not dare to act recklessly. We are not involved in politics, we just care about our neighborhood.”