East Flatbush Residents Demand Safer Shelter Placement Near Schools in Town Hall Meeting

During a recent town hall meeting in East Flatbush, residents raised significant concerns regarding the presence of homeless shelters near local schools. Mayor Eric Adams, along with city officials, engaged with community members to discuss potential measures to address these worries and ensure the safety of students.

East Flatbush community members expressed frustration over the proximity of shelters to schools, citing discomfort and fear among parents and children. One resident described instances of individuals parking vans near schools, causing anxiety for families. He emphasized that the current situation was unacceptable and called for immediate action to safeguard children (Source: https://youtu.be/natg0f5_SRo&t=916).

In response, Mayor Adams acknowledged the city’s obligation to balance shelter distribution across neighborhoods. He stated the need for equitable sharing of the burden, noting that communities like the Bronx and Queens host numerous shelters while some areas remain underserved. The mayor committed to ensuring that shelter locations consider community safety, especially concerning children (Source: https://youtu.be/natg0f5_SRo&t=1101).

City officials also mentioned ongoing efforts by outreach teams that regularly engage with homeless individuals to connect them with services. They reiterated plans to increase outreach presence around schools, particularly to assess and help those in immediate need (Source: https://youtu.be/natg0f5_SRo&t=1190).

Community members emphasized that while shelters are necessary to provide housing, their placement must prioritize the safety of families. They urged the city to thoroughly evaluate current and proposed shelter sites, particularly those in proximity to schools (Source: https://youtu.be/natg0f5_SRo&t=916).

In earlier coverage, similar community meetings highlighted ongoing frustrations regarding shelter concentration and management, as residents call for better oversight and effective measures to improve conditions and ensure public safety (Source: https://getlocalpost.com/2024/12/17/community-concerns-mount-as-city-officials-face-criticism-over-high-shelter-concentration-in-underserved-areas/).

Ultimately, the East Flatbush town hall served as a platform for both residents and city officials to openly discuss pressing issues tied to homelessness and to explore actionable responses that align with community needs.