Sheepshead Bay residents push back against proposed homeless shelter
Westhab, the organization behind the project, presented its plans for the “Coyle Street Family Center” to a packed room of Sheepshead Bay residents.
More Stories
Tensions ran high at a community meeting on Tuesday night as residents voiced strong opposition to a proposed homeless shelter set to be built in their neighborhood.
Westhab, the organization behind the project, presented its plans for the “Coyle Street Family Center” to a packed room of Sheepshead Bay residents.
However, community concerns quickly drowned out the presentation, leading to a heated back-and-forth with Westhab CEO Jim Coughlin.
The shelter, slated for 2134 Coyle St., would provide 175 housing units for families with children and include 24/7, year-round, professional security, according to Westhab.
While some residents acknowledged the need for shelters, many opposed the location, saying they were under the impression the site would house 119 residential units with commercial space.
Westhab was awarded a contract by the Department of Social Services to develop the shelter in 2023.
Many residents claim they were never informed of the change.
Coughlin tells News 12 he hopes the community gives the shelter a chance and hopes people can volunteer and see the work they do once it opens.
