Pelham Parkway residents rally at City Hall against proposed supportive housing
The opposition is directed at a building proposed by the Bowery Residents’ Committee. Plans call for a nine-story building with more than 100 units, most of them reserved for formerly homeless people.
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A rally was held at City Hall to oppose a proposed supportive housing building in Pelham Parkway.
Residents led chants to get the mayor’s attention to stop the project.
“What do we want? Safe streets,” demonstrators chanted, calling for what they described as a need to maintain safety in the neighborhood.
Some residents said they are concerned that the development could lead to increased crime.
“The crime may go higher. The drug, arrests, everything goes higher,” said Ruby, a Pelham Parkway resident.
The opposition is directed at a building proposed by the Bowery Residents’ Committee. Plans call for a nine-story building with more than 100 units, most of them reserved for formerly homeless people.
Neighbors say they worry the project will negatively impact the community.
“It will bring property values down,” said Sarah, another resident.
Plans for the building include individual rooms with bathrooms, along with shared kitchens and laundry facilities. The developer has said on-site social services will be provided, but some residents are skeptical.
“BRC is making some empty promises, some of which are to provide services that the mentally ill substance abusers need,” said Jenny, a local resident.
The building is set to replace the former Apple Bank site along Pelham Parkway South, in a central area surrounded by residential buildings, public transportation and nearby stores.
“We are already congested. We don’t need any more congestion there,” Ruby said.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson also weighed in, saying she does not support the project.
“I am not funding this project, and I will work with BRC as I work with anyone. I will listen to residents as I do to anyone,” Gibson said.
However, the project is considered “as of right,” meaning it does not require public hearings or city funding.
Residents say they plan to continue opposing the development ahead of its anticipated opening in 2029.
