Hundreds of protesters swarm proposed NYC men’s homeless shelter site, physically block construction truck
Share this @internewscast.com

A wave of outrage swept through Brooklyn on Sunday evening as protesters blocked construction trucks and gathered en masse at the site of a proposed homeless shelter. The demonstration came on the heels of rumors suggesting construction could commence as soon as Monday morning.

Hundreds of demonstrators filled the streets of Bensonhurst, urging Mayor Zohran Mamdani to abandon the city’s long-standing plan to build a shelter for 150 men at the intersection of 86th Street and 25th Avenue.

The scene was tense as about 100 NYPD officers, some equipped with riot gear, attempted to manage the situation. Residents had toppled barricades and encircled a container truck near the construction site following unverified claims that work would start the next day.

In a dramatic moment, a protester positioned himself behind the tires of a reversing container truck, which was attempting to enter the site where several construction vehicles, including dump trucks, were assembled.

“We’re here to protest this homeless shelter, which poses a danger to the neighborhood,” said Kevin Zhang, 40, speaking to The Post. “We’ll remain here all night, return tomorrow night, and continue coming back until the mayor halts construction.”

Zhang expressed concern over the location, stating, “This is a major thoroughfare used daily by mothers, children, and the elderly. The subway is right here. Shelters housing potentially dangerous individuals should be in secluded areas, not at the heart of critical transportation hubs.”

Locals said they fear the men’s shelter, which is near several senior housing complexes, could become a magnet for drugs, crime and other trouble.

Protests against the planned facility in the predominantly Asian District 43 have been ongoing since the city first notified the community about plans for the homeless shelter in November 2023.

During one heated protest in July 2024, Councilwoman Susan Zhuang (D-43) was arrested for allegedly biting a deputy NYPD chief during a scream-filled clash with cops. The charges were later dropped.

The Department of Social Services told New12 earlier this month that the department had sent a message stating that Mamdani’s administration intends to restart the proposed project, but that construction had not yet begun and the project was a long way from completion.

The shelter is still planned to open in late 2027, the agency added.

The Department of Social Services did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment on the construction timeline.

“Mamdani thinks he can put homeless shelters in any neighborhood he wants because he wants the homeless to feel like they are at home, because maybe being around families will rehabilitate them,” said protestor Alex Lin.

“He could put shelters anywhere in the city, but he chooses to put them right in the middle of our neighborhood,” Lin, 35, added.

“He doesn’t care about the danger that poses to us. Look at all the cops that showed up tonight. Will the cops show up when some homeless drug addict lays his hands on a child?”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
North Korean laborers describe brutal forced labor in Russia: 'Working like a cow, earning nothing'

North Korean Workers Report Severe Forced Labor Conditions in Russia: ‘Working Relentlessly, Earning Nothing

“Awaken before 6 a.m. to face the harsh Russian winter. Together, we…
Air Canada flight attendant who was ejected during LGA crash seen in hospital for first time

Air Canada Flight Attendant Hospitalized After LaGuardia Crash: First Public Sighting Revealed

The world got its first glimpse of Solange Tremblay, an Air Canada…
DC air traffic controller Emily Hanoka reveals 'warning signs were all there' before midair crash that killed 67

DC Air Traffic Controller Emily Hanoka Unveils Overlooked Warning Signs Before Tragic Midair Collision Killing 67

A former air traffic controller from Washington, D.C., has come forward with…
’90 Day Fiance’ alum’s boyfriend beats Boca Bash attempted murder case he rips as ‘ridiculous’

’90 Day Fiance’ Star’s Boyfriend Acquitted in Boca Bash Attempted Murder Case, Calls Charges ‘Ridiculous’

In a dramatic turn of events, a Florida man has walked free…

BMW Driver in Heated Road Rage Altercation in Newport Beach

A driver of a BMW has been arrested after being caught on…
Mike Rowe Hits It on the Head: Kimmel Didn't Insult Plumbers; He Insulted America's Aspirational Spirit

Mike Rowe Defends American Dream Against Kimmel’s Misguided Comments on Plumbers

In a way only television host Mike Rowe can, he captured the…
Nestlé says 413,793 KitKat candy bars stolen en route from Italy to Poland

Massive Heist: Over 400,000 KitKat Bars Vanish During Transport from Italy to Poland

GENEVA — Nestlé, the Swiss multinational known for its KitKat chocolates, reported…
US allows Russian oil tanker to reach Cuba amid blockade as Trump says island ‘has to survive’

US Greenlights Russian Oil Tanker’s Arrival in Cuba Amid Blockade, Trump Advocates for Island’s Survival

The United States is set to permit a Russian oil tanker, laden…
Kid Rock Salutes Military Helicopters at Nashville Estate, Blasts Gavin Newsom

Kid Rock Honors Military Helicopters at Nashville Estate, Criticizes Gavin Newsom

Social media was set ablaze when “American Bad Ass” rocker Kid Rock…
Pope Leo XIV rejects claims that God justifies war in Palm Sunday Mass message in St. Peter's Square

Pope Leo XIV Denounces War as Divinely Justifiable in Palm Sunday Address at St. Peter’s Square

Pope Leo XIV took a firm stand against the notion that divine…
'Unruly' Frontier Airlines passenger makes verbal bomb threat after landing at Atlanta airport

Frontier Airlines Passenger Allegedly Issues Verbal Bomb Threat Post-Landing at Atlanta Airport

A disruptive passenger aboard a Frontier Airlines flight issued a bomb threat…
Five Guys CEO paid $1.5M staff bonus so he wouldn't get shot like Brian Thompson

Five Guys CEO Awards $1.5M in Staff Bonuses to Enhance Workplace Safety Following Brian Thompson Incident

In a surprising move, the CEO of the well-known fast-food chain Five…