Mixed-use housing development to move forward in Brownsville

A housing development project is moving forward in Brownsville that will include units for homeless people and those dealing with mental health issues.

News 12 Staff

Mar 4, 2020, 12:47 AM

Updated 1,758 days ago

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A housing development project is moving forward in Brownsville that will include units for homeless people and those dealing with mental health issues.
The Bridge Rockaway Housing Development has proposed a mixed-use plan that would include 174 affordable housing units. Half of those units would go toward seniors and disabled veterans with 52 units specifically allocated homeless adults and people dealing with mental health issues.
Balinda Harris, who lives in the neighborhood, said she fears the project would become another shelter.
"Brownsville has become the dumping ground of the mental patients and the homeless and it's not fair. They don't do it in other neighborhoods, so why do it here?" she asked.
In a statement, Bridge Rockaway told News 12 that the building will also have a manufacturing space on the ground floor which will help generate jobs. It also said the building is permanent housing for all residents and not a shelter. It will also have 24/7 staff.