Peekskill residents say proposed homeless shelter sparks safety, property value concerns

<p>Peekskill residents made their voices heard after learning about a proposed homeless shelter coming to a residential area.</p>

News 12 Staff

Sep 13, 2018, 12:21 AM

Updated 2,046 days ago

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Peekskill residents made their voices heard after learning about a proposed homeless shelter coming to a residential area.
A Wednesday evening meeting brought a collective of residents concerned about the potential move of the city's Jan Peek House Shelter from North Water Street to Washington Street. There were also some speaking in support of the move.
The executive director of the shelter tells News 12 that the building on North Water Street is in foreclosure.  Board members are looking to move the shelter to Washington Street, but neighbors say they are concerned about their safety and property values.
Board members say they are open to working with the community on finding a solution.
"What gets lost in the conversation is, we have vulnerable people here in our town we need to help, we need to shelter and feed," says Cynthia Knox, executive director of the Jan Peek House Shelter.
Knox believes the Washington Street location could better serve clients in need.
Peekskill Mayor Andre Rainey says the move is a county responsibility, so the town will wait to see what officials do in terms of funding and other variables.
A separate community meeting will be held Sept. 27.


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