A proposed homeless shelter in Coney Island on Mermaid Avenue has generated mixed reactions from residents. Some community members say they were not properly informed and describe the proposal as hush-hush. Brooklyn Community Board 13 Chair Jeff Sanoff raised transparency concerns after the board learned about the plan through an online post and noted the site is near routes heavily used by families and children. Other residents worry the shelter could increase safety risks in a neighborhood with many kids, including concerns about mental illness, drug issues, and instability. The Department of Social Services says it will officially notify the community and local leaders before any shelter opens and will work with the neighborhood. Some residents support the shelter as necessary to help people needing shelter, food, and support.
"“I don't know if I should be happy or sad or I'm just concerned. It's been really hush-hush. I don't think anybody, any of the locals, even knew that they're going to open up one, honestly,” says Ashley."
"“In a letter sent earlier this month to the Department of Social Services, Sanoff said the board first learned about the proposed shelter through an online post.”"
"“You're introducing another element into this neighborhood where, you know, there are people who may have mental illness, who may have drug issues, who may just be unstable, into a neighborhood that's filled with kids,” said resident Jennifer."
"“The Department of Social Services says it plans to officially notify both the community and local leaders before any shelter opens and will work with the neighborhood throughout the process.”"
Read at News 12 - Long Island
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