The proposal to build a homeless shelter in Bensonhurst on 86th Street and 25th Ave has sparked widespread concern among residents in the neighborhood.
Thousands of residents filled the streets for a rally and protest led by Assembly Member William Colton and City Council Member Susan Zhuang on Saturday.
The proposed shelter is a 32-room hotel with a community facility attached. The city has said it plans to use it as a shelter for 150 single men.
The Department of Social Services says the community district does not have a shelter and there are unhoused neighbors in need of services.
According to Colton, a petition against the shelter has already amassed 28,000 signatures online and 20,000 signatures on paper.
The site will offer services like case management, housing placement help, and partnership with the community to link people to job opportunities.
A DSS spokesperson says the community has had ample notice of the shelter, being first notified in November of 2023.
They added that there will be open communication between the department and the community.