A group of protesters made their way through the typically quiet streets of Sheephead Bay on Sunday to voice their objections to plans for a homeless shelter in the area.
The procession wound through about 20 blocks, with demonstrators chanting slogans like “affluent housing, not shelters” and “keep kids safe! No shelters near playgrounds and schools!”
This uproar centers on the proposed 169-family homeless shelter at 2134 Coyle St., which was initially designated as an affordable housing project in 2022.
The march began at the shelter’s proposed location, drawing a crowd that included community activist and mayoral hopeful Curtis Sliwa, along with other local candidates.
“It’s clear that the community is frustrated. The mayor won’t engage with us, and none of the other mayoral candidates are stepping up,” Sliwa commented.
“I’m leading this protest against this switch. What our community wanted was affordable housing, and now that’s changed. They want to turn it into a shelter,” he added.
As traffic piled up on the main streets, local shop owners and residents observed the procession from the sidelines.
Many protesters expressed their concerns about what they see as a failing system, posing risks to neighborhood safety.
“This community is wonderful. It’s got everything—parks, places for seniors, and more,” said Fulma Feldman, a local 21-year-old.
“I believe people experiencing homelessness need support, but my dad once had a homeless friend who was actually scared to use shelters due to safety issues,” she recalled.
“When migrants were brought to Floyd Bennett Field, my dad’s car got stolen and the local shops were deserted,” Hurma remarked, referencing reports of rising crime and panhandling after a large tent city for immigrants opened in the area in 2024.
Dimple Willabus, a candidate for the local council in district 46, demanded that officials pay attention to residents’ voices.
“This puts pressure on elected officials, particularly the councillors, to act,” said Willabus, specifically mentioning councillor Mercedes Narcisse. “Cut the PR nonsense. This situation is a mess, like spilled milk that needs to be cleaned up,” she added.
Sunday’s march was just the latest chapter in a sustained protest against the shelter plans.
Residents have been camped out in tents outside the 24-hour shelter site for over a month. Narcisse visited them in early April, showing support for their cause, according to reports.
