Concerns Rise Over New Homeless Shelter in Sheepshead Bay
The city has announced plans to relocate 110 uninvestigated homeless individuals to a shelter in Sheepshead Bay, causing alarm among local residents. Many fear that this may lead to an increase in crime rates and introduce violent offenders to the area.
About a year ago, the former Gold Star Inn on Emmons Street was repurposed into a family shelter, and residents claim that this has already led to a rise in crime in what has been a typically quiet neighborhood.
Now, the city plans to move 55 households to make way for one homeless man as early as next week, heightening concerns about further criminal activity.
“There have been car break-ins, vandalism in the parks, and even public indecency,” said a local resident named Fahad, a plumber from Brighton Beach. “It used to be really peaceful here.”
Data from the 61st Precinct, which includes Sheepshead Bay, shows a staggering 400% increase in shootings and a 10% uptick in retail thefts this year compared to previous years. Reports of rape, too, have risen from 8 to 16 during the same timeframe.
Additionally, the city is not screening new residents for any past sexual offenses, which is aggravating community worries.
“The Department of Homeless Services has confirmed that no background checks will be performed, which could allow sex offenders and felons access to children,” expressed Councilwoman Inna Vernikov in a letter to the Department of Social Services. “This could severely impact local neighborhoods. We’ve witnessed issues like loitering and drug use when single male shelters are introduced into residential areas.”
Residents are understandably anxious about the situation.
“Not doing background checks is concerning. How can we trust that children are safe?” asked Ginny, a 50-year-old resident who chose to remain anonymous. “Elderly people are vulnerable too.”
The shelter sits directly across from Lou Fiddler Park, which contains a playground and is frequently visited by families.
“Those recently released from prison could end up in shelters like this. We really hope it doesn’t escalate,” stated Olga Adinets, a 37-year-old neighbor originally from Moscow.
On top of these worries, the nonprofit managing the shelter is currently under investigation for federal corruption involving allegations against prominent Democratic figures who reportedly accepted bribes in return for lucrative contracts funded by taxpayer money.
In March, Roberto Samedi, the executive director of BHRAGS, and former board president Jean-Ronald Tyrrells were indicted on charges related to collecting $1.3 million in illegal payments and committing fraud.
Despite these issues, the organization is still being awarded nearly $200 million in new city contracts, according to Mayor Zoran Mamdani.
Officials indicated that the administration under Mayor Eric Adams coordinated with troubled shelter providers to manage the immigration situation, claiming that “bad actors” have been removed and that nonprofits are now operating under a new management structure. They mentioned that the number of shelters run by BHRAGS has decreased from nine to four.
A spokesperson stated that renovations were taking place due to a higher number of single homeless men and a reduced number of families entering the system. The city prefers to house families in traditional shelters rather than hotels.
“We are continuing to address the stigma surrounding single adult men experiencing homelessness,” a DSS spokesperson informed. “We also remain in touch with the community to address any concerns that arise.”
