Sheep’s Head Bay residents unite to stop the construction team of migrants from entering.

Controversy surrounding the construction proposal for the homeless shelter at 2134 Coyle Street in Sheepshead Bay’s U Avenue continues to escalate in New York. On March 28, a large number of Chinese residents gathered from morning till night at the front and back entrances leading to Ford Street, the only passage to the Chinese backyard, in an effort to prevent developers from entering.

Around 8 a.m., a truck loaded with timber arrived at the scene. Chinese residents on duty immediately sounded the alarm in their WeChat group, and a large crowd quickly arrived to block the construction. Although the truck initially left, it returned before noon and parked on the side of the road, followed by the appearance of the construction team. Upon hearing the news, citizens once again gathered to guard the site. When the truck attempted to move to the back entrance, residents immediately followed and shouted “No Shelter” slogans, expressing their protest. Some residents even parked their private cars to block the entrance, with 78-year-old Huang sitting in the middle of the shared driveway, adamantly obstructing the construction.

When the head of the construction team appeared, a Chinese elderly man with an oxygen tube in his nose stood in front of him, using his body as a barrier to entry, while other residents formed a shield on either side of him. The truck once again turned back to the front entrance, where residents gathered, conveying their determination with the sound of drums and the banging of protest signs.

Officers from the 61st precinct arrived at the scene to maintain order, and local District 46 City Council candidate Dimple Willabus, along with District 15 Community Board member Nina Chen, actively communicated with the police. Community liaisons for State Assembly members Michael Novakhov of District 45 and Jaime Williams of District 59, such as Donald Cranston, also arrived to assess the situation. Despite efforts by the developer to make headway, they faced significant obstacles in the face of united opposition.

The protest activities on-site remained peaceful throughout, with residents cooperating with police guidance by clearing the driveway and gathering only on the sidewalk, demonstrating a rational approach to resistance. In the afternoon, several businesses voluntarily sent supplies, including boxed meals, snacks, beverages, fruits, protest signs, etc., to support the protest. Volunteers were in charge of distributing meals, gradually transitioning from chaos to order.

One resident stated that their daily life has been completely disrupted, with thoughts of the situation occupying their every moment, making them come to support whenever they have the time. Another resident, Ms. Lin, living near Marine Park, said, “Building a homeless shelter here is not appropriate, and I will do my best to support.” She arrived at 8 a.m. and briefly left later for her grandson’s errands, only to return promptly and continue participating in the protest.

The developer previously sued several Chinese homeowners for “breach of contract,” and obtained a temporary restraining order from a judge before the hearing on April 2, prohibiting homeowners from obstructing the construction of the partition in the backyard. However, Dimple Willabus pointed out to the police on site that the “Access Agreement” signed by homeowners at the end of 2023 was with Coyle Street Owner LLC, not with the current developer, Coyle 2134 Housing Development Fund Corporation (2134 Coyle HDFC), emphasizing that the two are not the same. She explained the complexity of the case to the authorities, seeking to make them understand the legitimacy of the residents’ protest.

This protest not only attracted Chinese residents opposing the homeless shelter at 2501 Benson Ave, but also drew participation from some Hispanic residents, uniting in resistance. People are guarding their homes with practical actions, demonstrating a strong sense of community spirit. It also showcases the efforts of Chinese residents in coordinating manpower and resources, addressing legal procedures, and communication strategies on multiple levels, including brainstorming to solve various practical problems. Protesters still face challenges related to basic needs such as restroom facilities.

While legal procedures are ongoing, residents hope to persuade developers and relevant authorities to heed their voices and demands in a peaceful manner. ◇

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