Affluent Upper East Side Residents Protest Planned Homeless Shelter

Community members raise concerns over lack of notification, location, and security measures for the new women's shelter.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Residents of New York City's affluent Upper East Side neighborhood erupted in fury at a public meeting over a planned women's homeless shelter. Citing rushed approval, safety concerns, and the shelter's proximity to schools and daycares, the community members accused city officials of deliberately limiting their input and prioritizing developers' interests over neighborhood well-being.

Why it matters

The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between the need for homeless services and the concerns of affluent communities that often resist the placement of such facilities in their neighborhoods. This case reflects the broader challenges cities face in balancing the interests of different stakeholders when addressing homelessness.

The details

The planned 250-bed women's shelter was converted from a former men's center after previous public pushback. At the Community Board 8 Manhattan meeting, residents raised alarms over the shelter's proximity to schools and daycares, accusing city officials of rushing the process to limit community input. While city representatives emphasized the urgent need for homeless services, residents criticized the lack of notification and the suitability of the location. Concerns were also raised about security measures, with the shelter only asking about criminal history rather than conducting full background checks.

  • The city reportedly told local leaders in early 2025 that the project was indefinitely shelved.
  • In January 2026, the city announced the shelter as an active and nearly completed center, leaving the community with just weeks to organize before it opens.

The players

Housing Solutions of New York (HSNY)

The organization overseeing the development of the planned women's homeless shelter.

Bonnie Barend

A community member who criticized the lack of notification and the location of the shelter.

Xellex Rivera

The Chief Program Officer of HSNY, who acknowledged the community's concerns about the shelter's security measures.

Valerie Mason

The chairperson of Community Board 8 Manhattan, who acknowledged the tense atmosphere of the meeting.

Todd "TJ" Stein

A Community Board 8 Manhattan member who expressed disappointment with the meeting's organization and the limited time the community had to respond to the shelter's plans.

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What they’re saying

“What we're offended by is the lack of notification and the wrong location. It shouldn't be here.”

— Bonnie Barend, Community member (foxnews.com)

“Unacceptable. That is not a background check.”

— Unnamed resident (foxnews.com)

“That is fair. I 100% agree with everybody. That is fair.”

— Xellex Rivera, Chief Program Officer, Housing Solutions of New York (foxnews.com)

“You're not advocating for us!”

— Unnamed resident (foxnews.com)

“This was just, unfortunately, not a really well-run meeting. And that just sucks. … We as a community had three weeks to basically be thrown this information.”

— Todd "TJ" Stein, Community Board 8 Manhattan member (foxnews.com)

What’s next

The Community Board 8 Manhattan will continue to engage with city officials and the shelter's operators to address the community's concerns about the facility's location, security measures, and the overall approval process.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between the need for homeless services and the concerns of affluent communities that often resist the placement of such facilities in their neighborhoods. It underscores the challenges cities face in balancing the interests of different stakeholders when addressing homelessness, and the importance of transparent communication and community engagement in the planning process.