City Confirms 2,200-Bed South Bronx Shelter Will Open in February Despite Opposition During Heated Meeting
Residents Voice Strong Opposition
On Monday evening, South Bronx residents voiced their strong opposition to the city’s plan to open a new 2,200-bed migrant shelter in a vacant warehouse at East 141st Street and Bruckner Boulevard. The city confirmed that the shelter, set to open in February, is a done deal.
Community Board 1 Sub-Committee Meeting
Residents and city officials came to an impasse during the meeting of Community Board 1’s sub-committee on supportive and public housing, which was held in collaboration with the 40th Precinct Community Council. Dozens of concerned residents attended and lined up against the wall to address the group, joining with elected officials, including Rep. Ritchie Torres, who have already publicly opposed the shelter as an example of using the South Bronx as a “dumping ground.”
City Officials Offer Reassurances
City officials offered new information about the planned shelter meant to ease concerns about public safety. While board member Dalourny Nemorin said that most migrants do not commit crimes and that a new shelter in any neighborhood would likely meet opposition, she and others expressed concern about security given the large number of occupants at the new location, amid residents’ existing fears about community safety.
Shelter Operations
Rudy Guiliani from the Housing Recovery Operations Office said the shelter will be run by an experienced management company with 24/7 cameras and security guards, metal detectors, a dedicated NYPD post, onsite support services, and a curfew of 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. for residents. He also said the office is working to get Bronx-based organizations as subcontractors for services in an effort to integrate the shelter into the community.
Residents Speak Out
The meeting was largely civil, but South Bronx residents pulled no punches in expressing their unequivocal opposition to the shelter and frustration at the lack of communication from the city. People lined up against the wall to address the group, and several residents said they already felt unsafe in their neighborhoods and that the shelter does nothing to assuage those concerns.
Conclusion
Despite the city’s reassurances, residents remain opposed to the shelter and are calling for transparency and community engagement in the planning and implementation process. The shelter is set to open in February, and residents are left to wonder what the future holds for their community.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the new shelter?
A: The shelter is intended to provide temporary housing for migrant individuals and families.
Q: How many beds will the shelter have?
A: The shelter will have 2,200 beds.
Q: Where is the shelter located?
A: The shelter is located in a vacant warehouse at East 141st Street and Bruckner Boulevard in the South Bronx.
Q: When will the shelter open?
A: The shelter is set to open in February.
Q: How will the shelter be operated?
A: The shelter will be operated by an experienced management company with 24/7 cameras and security guards, metal detectors, a dedicated NYPD post, onsite support services, and a curfew of 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. for residents.
Q: Will the shelter be integrated into the community?
A: The city is working to get Bronx-based organizations as subcontractors for services in an effort to integrate the shelter into the community.
