Protests unfolded again Monday in Brooklyn after demonstrators took to the streets in opposition to a proposed men’s homeless shelter.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The battle in Bensonhurst has been brewing for years<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Sunday night, demonstrators blocked the construction site for the 150-person capacity men’s shelter on 86th Street near 2nd Avenue.\u00a0<\/p>\n At one point, NYPD officers in riot gear tried to control the crowd.\u00a0<\/p>\n “I just don’t see why in this neighborhood”<\/p>\n Protests against the planned facility began in 2023, when residents were first notified about it. In July 2024, City Councilwoman Susan Zhuang was arrested for allegedly biting an NYPD chief<\/a> during a rally. Charges were later dropped<\/a>.\u00a0 <\/p>\n “We are human beings. We want to help them,” Zhuang said. “We want to work with the city and find a better solution and location and a location, also.”\u00a0<\/p>\n Zhuang said there are five schools, a senior center and a daycare nearby.\u00a0<\/p>\n “It doesn’t belong in a neighborhood where there are so many schools. There’s an elementary school, a middle school\/high school. I just don’t see why in this neighborhood,” Enrica Sabatino said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Monday, residents remained on the sidewalk, holding signs.\u00a0<\/p>\n “Every neighborhood has to contribute to the solutions”<\/p>\n Data shows there are 350,000 people in New York City experiencing homelessness. The Coalition for the Homeless says the city’s unhoused are often dehumanized and criminalized.\u00a0<\/p>\n “Every neighborhood in New York City contributes to the mass homelessness crisis, and every neighborhood has to contribute to the solutions,” Coalition for the Homeless Executive Director Dave Giffen said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Despite strong opposition, demolition is set to begin this week. The shelter is expected to open late next year.<\/p>\n The city says it is part of the broader New York City shelter outreach initiative.\u00a0<\/p>\n \n More from CBS News\n <\/p>\n