Nearly 30 Bronx residents voiced their concerns Saturday over two new men's shelters proposed to be built near each other in Westchester Square.
The opponents to the development say they worry for the safety of children in the area and believe there is no regard for working-class families or local small businesses.
The NYC Department of Homeless Services say, "These high-quality, borough-based facilities will help us offer hundreds of Bronxites experiencing homelessness the opportunity to get back on their feet in their home borough, closer to the communities they last called home and their anchors of life, like jobs, health care, family, and houses of worship."
The shelter proposed for the 1300 block of Blondell Avenue would be built between businesses across from an auto parts store and cost around $350 million to build. It would open in 2023.
The shelter on Poplar Street would be located directly across from a child development school and would be just a few steps away from residential homes. It would open next December