A Brooklyn neighborhood is on edge as the city prepares to move 110 unvetted single men into a converted motel, raising fears among residents of increased crime and safety risks. The former Gold Star Inn in Sheepshead Bay, which previously housed families, is slated to become a shelter for single men as early as next week.
Neighbors expressed anxiety that the influx of individuals without background screenings could lead to a rise in criminal activity. "People are breaking into cars, people are destroying the park, taking their pants down in the park," said Fahad, a local plumber. "It used to be very quiet."
Data from the NYPD's 61st Precinct, which includes Sheepshead Bay, indicates a rise in crime. Shooting incidents are reportedly up 400% this year, retail theft is up 10%, and reports of rape have doubled to 16 from 8 during the same period last year.
City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov voiced strong opposition to the plan, stating in a letter to the Department of Social Services that the Department of Homeless Services confirmed no criminal background vetting would occur. "The agency continues to address the prevalent stigma against single adult men experiencing homelessness," a DSS spokesperson told The Post. "The agency also implements good neighbor policies while maintaining open lines of communication with the community to address any concerns as they arise."
The shelter is situated across the street from Lew Fidler Park, a popular community space with a playground. Residents like Olga Adynets, 37, voiced worries, stating, "Someone who was just released from prison is now living at the shelter. . . . I don’t want it to get worse. I’m worried."
Adding to community concerns, the nonprofit organization operating the shelter, BHRAGS, has been under scrutiny. In March, its executive director, Roberto Samedy, and former board chairman were indicted on federal charges including illicit payments, wire fraud, and embezzlement. Despite these allegations, the organization recently received nearly $200 million in new city contracts in June.
City officials attributed the relocation of single men to hotels to the ongoing migrant crisis and stated that the organization is under new administration, having reduced its portfolio of shelters. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeless Services indicated that the city prioritizes placing families in traditional shelters over hotels and aims to address stigma against single adult men experiencing homelessness.