Brooklyn neighborhood frustrated by shelter plan

Some people who live in one part of Brooklyn say the last thing their neighborhood needs is another homeless shelter. When the old Roman Catholic church was knocked down in Crown Heights, residents had no idea it would be turned into a homeless shelter.

President Dion Ashman of the Crown Street Block Association said the association found out about the plan March 18.

Dr. Yvonne Reid has lived on the same block for 45 years and in the community for 65. She said she is opposed to the shelter plan but would welcome the families if they are relocated there permanently so that they can have a stake in the neighborhood.

The facility at 267 Rogers Avenue will serve 132 families with children. Approximately 20 percent of the space will be used as affordable housing. The project is part of larger plan to reduce clusters and use of hotels and open 90 new shelters in communities where people have a support system. Crown Heights will see an overall reduction of shelters.

The city said it gave at least 75 days' notice. The residents were notified February 15 for a targeted May opening.