Survey Results! 97% Vote NO on Homeless Shelter Proposal in Boro Park

By Y.M. Lowy

The proposed homeless shelter at 5001 10th Avenue and 1016 50th Street continues to stir significant debate within the Boro Park community. Following the recent community meeting, where emotions ran high and opinions were sharply divided, BoroPark24 ran a survey to see where people stand. The response has been overwhelmingly negative, signaling strong opposition to the proposal.

A poll conducted on BoroPark24 website and twitter revealed that 97% of voters believe the shelter would have a negative impact on the neighborhood, with only 3% expressing support for the project. 

On the website, the numbers were striking, with 98% of respondents against the shelter and just 3% in favor of it. The results on Twitter were similarly telling, with 87% of voters concerned about the shelter’s potential to change the character of Boro Park, while 13% felt it would not be a significant issue.

The majority of residents are deeply worried about the shelter’s potential impact on Boro Park’s safety. Many voiced fears for their children’s well-being, with one resident asking, “How can we allow our kids to play outside if this shelter goes up? Our community values the freedom for children to play outside, but this would take that away.” This concern was echoed by those with children in Chedarim and Yeshivas in the area, with one individual questioning, “How can we expect young Bachurim to walk past that facility at night?”

The housing shortage in Boro Park is another major point of contention. “We already have a shortage of housing. Why bring in more people?” said one concerned resident. Many others suggested that instead of building a shelter, the area should focus on much-needed affordable housing for young married couples. “Affordable apartments are what Boro Park desperately needs,” they argued.

Additionally, some residents questioned the effectiveness of shelters, referencing their history in other communities. “Shelters have been proven to be a disaster for every community they’re introduced into,” one individual commented. “We’ve seen how these facilities negatively impact safety and quality of life.” Concerns also extend to the disruption of Shabbos in Boro Park. “This could desecrate the peaceful atmosphere that we’ve maintained over the years,” said one commenter.

Many expressed frustration with the city’s decisions, particularly the closing of shelters elsewhere while opening new ones in Boro Park. “Why keep closing shelters in other places and opening new ones here?” asked one resident. “Boro Park has a relatively low crime rate. Why bring crime here?”

Some residents pointed out that they pay a premium for real estate in a safe, insular neighborhood and do not want it ruined by the shelter. “We’ve worked hard to make sure our community remains safe, and we don’t want to jeopardize that,” one concerned resident remarked. “This shelter would significantly alter the social fabric of our community more than any other community in Brooklyn.”

On the other hand, some residents believe it is an honor to help those in need. However, they also stressed that the community’s resources could be better utilized to benefit local Yiddish families. “It would be an honor to help those in need, but why not use these resources to support our own?” one person said. “Our community could greatly benefit from this. Why give it to people who have criminal backgrounds?”

Others expressed similar sentiments, saying that the funds and support should be directed toward meeting the needs of the local population, rather than providing for outside individuals. “We are a community that prides itself on helping each other, but this shelter could change the character of Boro Park for the worse,” said one local. “The resources would be better spent on our families.”

As more people speak out against it, Boro Park remains almost completely united in rejecting the shelter. Decision makers should listen: Boro Park says “no” to this shelter.