August 31, 2016
CB5 Meeting September 1, 2016: Homeless Shelter Proposal for 25 West 24th Street
We have just been informed that Community Board Five has announced that they will be holding a public hearing on Thursday, September 1st, 2016 at 6:00 P.M. at the Community Board Five Office, 450 Seventh Avenue (between 34th and 35th Streets) to review a proposed stabilization bed facility for 47 homeless people at 25 West 24th Street on the north side of the street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
New York, as most major U.S. cities, has a large homeless population. The Flatiron Bid and the Madison Square Park Conservancy have been at the forefront of addressing this social issue and trying to meet the needs of the homeless community in our neighborhood. Despite the substantial efforts of both organizations, they cannot fully address the current homeless situation, the potential of adding a facility could further outstrip their financial and staffing resources.
If approved and opened, this will be the latest increase to the unusually large number of homeless facilities operating in our neighborhood. Even as the situation stands today, the number and behavior of homeless persons in and surrounding Madison Square Park remains a challenge to residents, park and BID staff, homeless service providers, and the NYPD.
Please try to attend this important CB5 meeting. Regardless of your position, the meeting offers those who do business and/or live here a chance to learn more about the situation and to express their views on this proposal and the impact the proposed shelter may have on the quality of life in the surrounding neighborhood.
To have your voice heard, you can also address comments to our City Council Representative Rosie Mendez or members of her staff (listed below). They are aware of this issue and the concern voiced by property owners, residents, and business owners who believe the NoMad and Flatiron neighborhoods are being asked to shoulder a large portion of the City’s shelter burden.
Rosie Mendez
212-677-1077
Vanessa Diaz Lopez, Chief of Staff
vlopez@council.nyc.gov
John Blasco, Director of Communications & Scheduling
jblasco@council.nyc.gov
Matt D. Viggiano, Director of Land Use
mviggiano@council.nyc.gov
Carlina Rivera, Legislative Director
crivera2@council.nyc.gov
Sheila Rodriguez, Senior Community Aide
srodriguez2@council.nyc.gov
Aura Olavarria, Community Aide
aolavarria@council.nyc.gov