Queens – Plans to build a homeless shelter in Far Rockaway have been canceled.
Join our WhatsApp groupSubscribe to our Daily Roundup Email
Officials were notified last week by DHS Commissioner Gilbert Taylor of plans to open a homeless shelter at 145 Beach 8th St. that would house 120 men.
“A homeless shelter at this site, near our schools and parks, was misguided,” said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Far Rockaway). “I commend Mayor de Blasio and the Department of Homeless Services for listening to our concerns and halting proposed plans.”
Goldfeder expressed many concerns regarding the shelter, including how close the shelter would be to schools and children, as well as the placement in a Hurricane Sandy flood zone.
An emergency meeting of local school, community and rabbinic leaders came together to discuss the proposal.
“A new homeless shelter in Far Rockaway would have put our families in danger,” said Rabbi Baruch Rothman, director of institutional advancement at Yeshiva Darchei Torah. “The entire community is thankful for the tireless leadership and advocacy of Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder, who united our political and communal leaders and was successful in saving our community.”
Goldfeder, with other elected officials, met with Mayor Bill de Blasio at City Hall to relay their opposition to the shelter. The mayor directly informed the group that building plans would stop immediately.
Thank you Phil Yerucham Goldfeder!