Upper East Side residents gathered Monday night to voice concerns, anger and confusion over a planned homeless shelter for women coming to their neighborhood.
Community Board 8 initially informed the public of plans for a 200-bed men’s homeless shelter in late January. The facility along First Avenue would open in March and be operated by Housing Solutions of New York. The announcement sparked intense backlash and a 5,000-plus signature petition.
City Council Speaker Julie Menin, who represents the Upper East Side, said last week that the shelter would instead host women and open in April.
“From the beginning, my priority has been to ensure our district meets its obligation to address homelessness in a way that genuinely serves those in need,” Menin said in a statement. “Women experiencing housing insecurity face distinct safety and stability challenges, and this site is well-positioned to provide them with secure housing and comprehensive support.”…