Plans to open a New York City homeless shelter later this year in Chinatown were shut down after community protests against its opening.
City officials confirmed the news Friday, following a growing outcry that resulted in public demonstrations against the proposed shelter.
“After reviewing the shelter sites planned to open in Chinatown, we have decided to relocate this shelter capacity to an area with fewer services and shelter for those experiencing homelessness,” said Julia Savel, a spokeswoman for NYC Homeless Services.
The shelter, which was supposed to have opened in 47 Madison Street, would house 49 beds for unsheltered New Yorkers. That place was one of the three shelters planned for Chinatown.
“Our goal is always to work with communities to understand their needs, distribute shelter equitably, and prioritize sites that can come online in a timely manner to serve our most vulnerable New Yorkers,” Savel added.
The city’s Department of Homeless Services is said to be focusing on opening new sites in places that require less renovation work. The Madison site needed to be demolished and was expected to come at a “substantial cost” before coming online in 2–3 years.
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