MEN'S SHELTER ON CONEY ISLAND AVENUE DISCUSSED AT OCTOBER COMMUNITY BOARD 12 MEETING

From the minutes of Community Board 12's public meeting, held on October 23, 2018, at Amico Senior Center:

He [Assemblymember Robert Carroll] said the New York City announced today that on Beverly Road and Coney Island Avenue they would like to put a 140 bed Men’s Shelter at this site [former location of Park Manor Adult Home]. A public school is right up the block and a Yeshiva is around the corner.

He said we need to work together to make sure the quality of life is good at this location.

Board Member Yeruchim Silber asked what was the shelter operator’s track record. Assemblyman Carroll said most likely they will be there, there is a public school is right up the block and a Yeshiva school around the corner.

We need to work together to make sure it’s safe, welcoming place and the neighbors who live around this area feel safe.

Assemblyman Carroll said Kensington already has a shelter six blocks away, he’s very not happy. He knows the organization that will be running the shelter, but we still need to work together to make sure it’s a safe environment.

District Manager Barry Spitzer added he also received a phone call today. Mr. Spitzer said they assured him there will be no sex offenders because of the close proximity to the schools but when Mr. Spitzer asked about people with criminal records, he was told everyone is welcome in the facilities.

The organization is The Black Vets for Social Justice, who have a very good track record. Assemblyman Carroll said yes they do.

Assemblyman Carroll said Coney Island Avenue is on the border of CB12, CB14, 66th Precinct and 70th Precinct and wants a joint meeting so we all can work together and everyone is on the same page.

The Chairman said it’s a little disturbing that the Mayor promised us when the last shelter went up there will not be any more shelters in our area for at least a few years. The District Manager said the target is six months to open this shelter.

Spitzer said he will be meeting with DHS & NYPD with the Assemblyman and many others regarding the Men’s Shelter to work together and be on the same page.