Sheepshead Bay residents have maintained a five-week round-the-clock protest against a planned family homeless shelter, determined to protect their neighborhood from what they fear will bring increased crime to their community.
At a Glance
- Residents have been protesting for five weeks with tents and 24/7 shifts against a planned 169-family homeless shelter on Coyle Street
- The city switched plans from promised affordable housing to a homeless shelter, prompting claims of deception from community members
- Protesters, primarily older Chinese American residents, cite safety concerns due to proximity to schools and daycare centers
- Local businesses support the protest with food donations, while a court order now forces protesters to remain on the sidewalk
- Westhab, the shelter’s developer, maintains they followed proper procedures and plans to open by 2027
Community Takes Stand With Round-The-Clock Protest
Residents of Sheepshead Bay have transformed Coyle Street into a protest zone, complete with tents and rotating shifts to ensure a constant presence outside the site of a proposed homeless shelter. The protest, now in its fifth week, represents the community’s determination to block what they view as an unwelcome and potentially dangerous addition to their neighborhood. Protesters have organized themselves with military precision, creating shifts and maintaining surveillance to catch any construction activity that might occur without proper permits.
Danny Pan, one of the protest organizers, expressed the community’s unwavering commitment: “Everyday. Anytime, until there’s no homeless shelter. Until the project is gone.” The demonstration has received substantial support from local businesses that have donated food, while community members have provided other necessities including a portable toilet. This support network has enabled protesters to maintain their vigil despite challenging weather conditions and legal obstacles.
Broken Promises Fuel Community Outrage
At the heart of the controversy is what residents view as a betrayal of trust. The site at 2134 Coyle Street was originally approved for a mixed-use development that would include affordable housing units. However, plans changed drastically after the original developer withdrew from the project. City officials then pivoted to a homeless shelter plan, which would house 169 families. This dramatic shift in purpose caught many in the community off guard and fueled suspicions about the city’s motives.
“They tricked us. They lied. And when you lie — the truth always comes out,” said Michelle Crisafulli, one of the protesters.
City Council member Mercedes Narcisse, who organized initial protests in March, criticized the administration’s lack of transparency: “I’m not going to come in front of my community, tell them one thing, and then switch to something else without getting them to be part of it.” Residents feel the decision was made without proper consultation, reinforcing their belief that city officials are disconnected from the concerns of outer borough neighborhoods.
Safety Concerns Drive Opposition
Safety stands as the primary concern for opponents of the shelter. Protesters point to the site’s proximity to schools and daycare centers as particularly troubling. The composition of the protest group, primarily older members of the Chinese American community, reflects the demographics of those most concerned about potential changes to neighborhood security. These residents have established deep roots in Sheepshead Bay and feel their community stability is being threatened.
“A homeless shelter means uncontrolled men and others roaming the streets with no oversight whatsoever. No vetting, no medical checks, because it’s a money game. There are contracts. And from that, there are kickbacks. You make more money housing homeless people and then building affordable housing,” said Curtis Silwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, who has joined the protest efforts.
Protestors have maintained vigilance against what they see as underhanded tactics by developers. “Westhab hired construction companies to come and demolish the buildings, and they came at like crazy hours. One time they came at 6 a.m.,” said Benjamin Louie, describing how protesters have documented construction crews allegedly working at unusual hours to avoid scrutiny. Despite a court order forcing protesters to move from directly blocking the site to the sidewalk, they remain committed to monitoring all activity.
City and Developer Maintain Course Despite Opposition
Westhab, the non-profit organization behind the shelter proposal, maintains they have followed proper procedures and provided adequate community notice. According to their timeline, the shelter would not open until 2027, pending necessary permit approvals. The Department of Social Services has promised that security measures will be implemented, including dedicated security personnel and community patrols to address safety concerns.
City Hall has emphasized that the shelter would prioritize placement of homeless families from the community itself, presenting the project as a compassionate solution to local homelessness. Officials continue to stress the importance of community support in addressing the citywide housing crisis effectively. Despite these assurances, protesters remain deeply skeptical and committed to their cause, with no signs of backing down as the standoff continues into its second month.
