Defending Our Home: Yau Tong Bay Residents Use Multiple Channels to Prevent Homelessness

In Brooklyn’s Gowanus neighborhood, the proposed establishment of a long-term homeless shelter capable of accommodating 175 families at 2134 Coyle Street has sparked strong opposition and widespread attention from local residents. The residents are seeking various solutions to try to halt the progress of this project.

According to court documents, the developer of the homeless shelter filed a lawsuit with the court on March 24 against two Chinese homeowners on Ford Street (a total of five individuals), requesting the judge to issue an emergency restraining order to prohibit the defendants from obstructing the developer’s access to the backyard via a shared driveway for installing scaffolding and protective devices. Yesterday afternoon, the judge approved this application and decided to hold a hearing on April 2. However, the lawyer representing the Chinese defendants has not officially entered the case.

This means that during the approximately one-week window between March 27 and April 2, the developer can enter the backyard of the two Chinese homeowners for construction activities based on the restraining order issued by the judge. If they are obstructed, law enforcement may intervene and enforce the order.

According to records on the Department of Buildings (DOB) website, local residents submitted over 20 complaints to the DOB between March 21 and 23, alleging that the construction site “is building a homeless shelter without the necessary permits.” However, when DOB inspectors visited on March 25, they were unable to access the construction site as all gates on the fence were locked. The posted permits on the fence only indicated temporary permits for construction equipment and sidewalk protection, lacking any other relevant permits for commencing work.

In their complaint on March 23, residents pointed out that the original plan for the site was to construct affordable housing, but it has now been switched to a homeless shelter, a change that seriously violates the contract and has stirred community dissatisfaction. The complaint also mentioned that over 3000 people have signed a petition on Change.org and several on-site rallies and protests have been held. Residents argue that the area is residential, with many families and children’s activities nearby such as daycare centers, pre-kindergarten classes, and a school for disabled children, highlighting the need for affordable housing rather than a homeless shelter.

The DOB’s response to this situation is an “Administrative Closure,” indicating that the DOB will not pursue further action.

Furthermore, there are still several unresolved violations at the site, including a recent citation on November 7, 2024, where a $5000 fine was issued for failure to provide pedestrian protection. The owner failed to provide the required pedestrian protection, with significant damage to the exterior structure of the site and portions of the facade and building structure detached with cracks. All violations must be addressed by submitting proof of correction to the Administrative Enforcement Unit (AEU). A red warning on February 7 of this year indicates that the owner has yet to submit proof of correction, and the violations remain unremedied.

Responding to residents’ calls, Assemblywoman Jaime Williams of the 59th District recently wrote to Jocelyn E. Strauber, the Commissioner of the New York City Investigation Department, expressing deep concerns about the project. In her letter, she emphasized that the site was originally intended for economic housing but has now been designated without sufficient community participation as a homeless shelter, eroding public trust. Assemblywoman Williams also raised doubts about the financial transactions between the project operator Westhab and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), urging a comprehensive investigation into the decision-making process.

Simultaneously, Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse of the 46th District has clarified multiple times on social media that she never supported the conversion of 2134 Coyle Street into a homeless shelter and criticized the city government for not adhering to the original plan for affordable housing. She stated that as early as July 2023, when her office received news of the project possibly converting into a shelter, she immediately opposed it and continued to follow up with the city government. However, it was not until January 2025 that the city government explicitly stated the site would be used as a shelter.

The controversy also involves potential conflicts of interest between project operator Westhab and the DHS. Residents pointed out that a senior executive of Westhab has a familial relationship with an administrator of the DHS and the company has received a massive $1.7 billion contract from the DHS. Despite the DHS claiming the administrator has recused themselves, residents still question the transparency and oversight of the contract award process.

Moreover, residents believe that the transition at the site is a clear case of “bait and switch,” a decision made without public discussion and disregarding community input. According to the original plan, the site was to feature 119 units of affordable housing and retail spaces, an essential investment needed in the local community. However, the sudden change not only deprived residents of a voice but also deepened distrust in the city government’s decision-making process.