He wants to take advantage of us

Staten Island Residents Oppose New All-Male Homeless Shelter

New York City has greenlighted a plan to establish an all-male homeless shelter in Staten Island’s South Shore area, a decision that has left local residents feeling frustrated and underappreciated. Many locals believe this move reflects Mayor Mamdani’s disregard for their predominantly conservative community.

Residents anticipate the construction of a 160-bed shelter at the intersection of Arthur Kill and Richmond Valley Road. They fear it will lead to increased crime, drug use, and loitering, viewing it as yet another insult from the mayor’s administration.

Bruce Daniele, who owns a gym nearby, expressed discontent, saying, “He wants to screw us 100 percent because we vote conservative.” This sentiment resonates with many, especially as South Shore voters previously supported Andrew Cuomo in the 2025 mayoral election.

The city’s Department of Homeless Services has stated that the shelter will serve both employed and unemployed single men, offering job assistance and resources to help stabilize their lives.

On March 5, the city approved the shelter plan, coincidentally the same day the mayor announced the closure of Manhattan’s Bellevue Men’s Shelter.

Republican City Councilman Frank Morano criticized the decision, saying it doesn’t make sense to place large shelters in areas with limited access to transportation and resources.

Residents have also voiced concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the project. Many have signed a petition against the shelter, expressing fears about its implications for the community.

Borough President Vito Fossella commented on the situation, noting he was previously assured by former Mayor Eric Adams that no shelter would be established in Charleston. He reflected on the city’s slow response to a recent snowstorm, adding that this seems to be a persistent pattern of neglect.

Some locals feel disenfranchised, arguing that the site’s suitability for housing homeless individuals is questionable. The property’s developer, linked to Sandu Group, initially planned it as a temporary hotel, yet locals later learned it might function as a shelter.

Fossella has called for a public hearing to ensure residents have a chance to voice their opinions on the matter. He stated, “Our residents don’t deserve this shelter, but they certainly deserve the opportunity to be heard.”

With concerns growing, especially from businesses close to the planned shelter, many fear for the safety and environment for their families. Local owners express doubts about how they can continue to operate under these new circumstances.