"New York City's shelter system plays a vital role in assisting individuals in crisis. But that mission can only succeed when facilities are placed in locations where residents can realistically access employment, transportation, social services, and supportive community infrastructure."
"our city has a moral obligation to care for those experiencing homelessness, but that responsibility must go hand in hand with respect for the communities where these facilities are proposed."
A 160-bed shelter for adult men is planned to open in mid-2027 at 4934 Arthur Kill Road in Tottenville on Staten Island's South Shore. Local Republican officials, including Councilmember Frank Morano, Assemblymember Michael Reilly, state Sen. Andrew Lanza, and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, sent a letter to the city's social services commissioner requesting reconsideration of the plan. They cited concerns about limited public transportation access, safety impacts, effects on nearby businesses, and insufficient community engagement and transparency from developers and city agencies. Borough President Vito Fossella raised similar concerns. Opposition also came from Democrat Assemblymember Charles Fall, who acknowledged the city's obligation to assist homeless individuals while emphasizing the need to respect affected communities.
Read at Gothamist
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