Local Residents Are Wondering What's Going On At 165 W. 9th Street In Carroll Gardens

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Urgent Update On Proposed 9th Street Men's Shelter In Carroll Gardens

UPDATE:

On Tuesday, October 15th at 7:00 PM, Councilmember Brad Lander will be joining the Coalition for Carroll Gardens in the lobby of 505 Court Street to provide an update on the shelter, answer questions, and direct us on the importance of participating in every possible direct action. Brad Lader has already contacted the DOB and the Department of Investigations for further clarifications.

Coalition For Carroll Gardens just released an update on the proposed 170-bed men's shelter at 165 West 9th Street in Carroll Gardens. Apparently, the City just announced that it will hold a public hearing regarding a 5 year, $30 million dollar contract with the shelter's operator,  Housing Solutions USA/Aguila Inc., a Bronx-based non-profit organization.

Below is the urgent message from Coalition For Carroll Gardens:

Dear Supporter,
Our last update addressed the Audit that DOB had conducted which raised a serious set of concerns about the approval to turn 165 west 9th st into a dormitory style accomodation for 170 men.
We heard nothing all summer, but recently learned that the DOB dismissed all its objections to approve the building permits it had revoked. No elected official was notified, nor have they explained how the various egregious objections were completely dropped.

Brad Lander, Velmanette Montgomery and Joan Millman this week sent a letter demanding more information from the DOB and requesting through the Freedom of Information Act all documents relating to this decision to see how the DOB waived its concerns. As yet, Brad Lander has received no response, nor ackowledgement, from Ira Gluckman, R.A., DOB Borough Commissioner, or John Gallagher R.A., DOB Deputy Borough Commissioner.

Today we learned that the city will hold a public hearing on a proposed contract for a shelter at 165 west 9th st on October 17 from 9-5. The total contract shall be $29,987,257 dollars. The contract shall be from November 1 2013 to June 30 2018. With an option to renew from July 1 2018 to June 30 2022 (as detailed in the City Register).

A draft copy of the proposal will be available for Public Inspection at the DHS, 33 Beaver St, NY 10004 from October 4th 2013 to October 17 2013 from 9-5 Mondays to Fridays.

Comptroller Liu is continuing his audit of Aguila and it will be in his hands to approve this contract.

STAY TUNED: CCG WILL BE COORDINATING A SERIES OF SPECIFIC ACTIONS OVER THE WEEKEND FOR YOU TO BEGIN NEXT WEEK. AGUILA AND LAPES HAVE RECEIVED NOTHING BUT BAD PRESS AND YET THEY STAND TO REAP 30 MILLION DOLLARS FOR A FIVE YEAR CONTRACT ON A BUILDING THAT WAS BEEN ILLEGALLY CONTRUCTED.

We will need our supporters to give oral or written testimony on the 17th of October at the City Hearings. We also need to support Brad Landers in his request to the DOB to find out how the long list of DOB objections could all be dismissed. And we need to let Liu know our concerns about this contract.

CCG will be sending an update over the next days with detailed suggestions about who to contact and what to say.

LAPES, HESS and AGUILA have been waiting in the wings for this moment. If we don't act now, they will be our neighbor for a long time.

PLEASE CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE and our website ccgbrooklyn.com for further updates. We will be posting the documents pertaining to these recent findings that we have available shortly.

Thank you for everything you have done. We can still make a difference.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS INFORMATION TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS. POST IT ON LOCAL LISTSERVES AND KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING.

And Thank you! CCGBROOKLYN

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Coalition For Carroll Gardens Updates Community On 9th Street Homeless Shelter

Many readers have been wondering where matters stand regarding the proposed 170 bed men’s homeless shelter at 165 West 9th in Carroll Gardens.

The Coalition for Carroll Gardens (CCG), a coalition of residents who have organized "to ensure that full community input is part of the process in the development" has just released an update in respect of this matter. CCG have retained the services of a lawyer and continues to press our elected officials and all agencies involved for a fair public process that will "create a solution that reflects the needs of all parties involved."

From a CCG press release:

Dear Supporter,

Alan Lapes was granted permits by the Department of Building (DOB) for alterations to convert his ten unit condo building at 165 west 9th street into a homeless shelter. The TRO obtained by CCG in December 2012 forces Lapes to follow the letter of the law - and stopped him from squeezing 170 men in the building when he was ready for action. Once the permit was obtained, CCGBrooklyn’s lawyer and zoning consultant conducted an extensive overview of the building history, plans and permits. We found various discrepancies between the original plans and the various requests and filings made to the DOB. Beginning with a dubious Certificate of Occupancy granted eight years after the building was finished -

DOB allowed Scarano, a notorious architect barred from filing in the City of New York to self-certify his building at 165 West 9th Street.

Among the other problems uncovered by our lawyer and zoning consultant, CCG found:

-Original building plans are missing

-Mislabeled floors that misrepresent actual use

-Misrepresentation of actual floor area deductions allowable for the lot size

-Unclear alterations and plumbing works, large scale works carried out without permits prior to the current permits

-unsafe access and exit as per law

For full details of our findings, click here.

Our lawyers submitted a request to the Borough Commissioner of the DOB to respond and address these concerns at the end of April. This demand was then followed up with letters from the elected officials, Brad Lander, Joan Milman, Villamette Montgomery, Bill De Blasio and Marty Markowitz all reiterating our concerns in early May and acting in support of CCGBrooklyn's position.

Click here for copies of the letters from the elected officials.

Some of you saw us out at the Court Street Fair, where we also gathered hundreds of signatures IN ONE DAY to take to Ira Gluckman, the Brooklyn Borough Commissioner at the DOB in support of the letter. We dropped this petition last week by hand

So why have we heard nothing back from the Commissioner?
Call Commissioner Gluckman today to let him know you want answers and expect accountability from all city agencies.
Ira Gluckman, R.A., Borough Commissioner: tel (718) 802-3677 & (718) 802-3676

The next hearing for the legal case, which once again was adjourned at the request of the city lawyers, will be on the 24th of May.

CCGBRooklyn remains committed to exposing the way the city regulatory agencies are failing at their job and bypassing due process, allowing people like Alan Lapes to continue his outlandish profits at the expense of communities and the Homeless.

Please continue to donate to our legal fund - click here to make your tax deductible donation online - We need your support to change the conversation and have communities talk back. We can't continue this fight without your ongoing donations. Donate today!

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Coalition for Carroll Gardens Is Hosting Community Update Meeting On 9th Street Homeless Shelter This Saturday

The Coalition for Carroll Gardens (CCG) is holding  a community update meeting this Saturday to update the community on what has been going on regarding the proposed homeless shelter at 165 West 9th Street.  Here are the details on the meeting from CCG:

165 West 9th Street Homeless Shelter

COMMUNITY UPDATE

Saturday, April 6th at 11 AM

"We are inviting all Carroll Gardens residents to a meeting in the courtyard of 505 Court Street on Saturday, April 6th at 11AM.
The meeting is intended to provide an informal update about 165 west 9th st and current developments. We know that the surge of activity makes our court case and timely actions even more important then ever. The meeting will be a chance to meet with some of the organizers of CCGBrooklyn and find out more about recent construction activities, as well as to get involved.
We will meet in the courtyard of 505 court st, entrance between West 9th and Huntington.
In the event of rain, we can relocate to the lobby.
We look forward to seeing you there. Please tell your friends and neighbors to come. Children welcome.
Thanks! CCG"


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An Update From Coalition For Carroll Gardens On Proposed Homeless Shelter On West Ninth Street

Here is an update from Coalition For Carroll Gardens (CGC), a group of community residents and business owners who have raised serious questions regarding a planned homeless shelter for 170 men at 165 West 9th Street.   After meetings with Housing Solutions USA/Aguila Inc., the non-profit organization that proposed the shelter, and Department of Homeless Services (DHS) failed to resolve some of the issue, the Coalition collected a total of $20,000 to retain attorney Steven Kirkpatrick as legal council.

On the Coalition's behalf, Kirkpatrick filed Article 78 proceeding against the City.On November 20, Kings County Supreme Justice David Schmidt issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)prohibiting the City and its contractors from “using the Building in violation of applicable laws and requirements.”
On December 7th, Judge Carl Landisino continued the TRO and gave the group until January 25, 2012 to put in additional papers and for the respondents to reply.
In order to continue legal action, CCG is asking for donations from the community to cover costs.

The Coalition's update below addresses what has been accomplished so far and what the next steps are:

WHY SHOULD YOU DONATE? 

The proposal to house 170 men is wildly out of proportion with the original intended use of the building, creating an illegal & unsafe situation for clients & neighbors alike.

Housing Solutions USA & its board members have numerous connections to shelter operators with a history of running substandard, dangerous, & crime-ridden facilities (eg the Aladdin Shelter on West 45th St operated by Housing Solutions USA).

A no bid contract City contract awards tax payer money of $520K a month. “Tunnel Condos”, the listed landlord, has ties to Stuart Podolsky,
a convicted felon, who is also listed as the building’s contact on the DOB filings up to 2010.

165 West 9th st, built by an architect now barred from filing plans in NYC, has been empty since its construction over ten years ago due to code violations & no legal Certificate of Occupancy.

WHO IS THE COALITION FOR CARROLL GARDENS (CCG)?
• CCG is a growing coalition of over 120 families, 700 residents & representatives from their buildings & coop boards and 100 businesses.

WHAT IS CCG DOING TO BLOCK THE PROPOSED HOMELESS SHELTER?

• CCG has retained an attorney, Steven Kirkpatrick, from Belkin, Burden Wenig & Goldman, LLP to represent us in a lawsuit against NYC.

WHERE DOES THE LAWSUIT CURRENTLY STAND?

• On December 7th, the Honorable Carl Landicino granted a continuation of the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) that requires the respondents to comply with all applicable
laws regarding the opening & operation of the proposed shelter until the next hearing date scheduled for January 25, 2013. The City is currently attempting to have the case dismissed so that they can move forward on the proposed 170 bed men’s shelter.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

• We have limited time to scrutinize & refute the claims of the City. CCG cannot continue to fund the attorney & our case without help from YOU!

DONATE NOW TO STOP CORRUPT NO BID CONTRACTS THAT SIDELINE LOCAL COMMUNITY INPUT!

• All money is directed through the Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association & goes directly towards legal costs.

To donate online, go to  www.ccgbrooklyn.com/donate or send checks payable to:
CGNA (Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association)Mail to: RY Management, 505 Court St., Brooklyn, NY 11231

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Coalition For Carroll Gardens Asks For Support "To Stop Corrupt No Bid Contracts" For 170-Bed Homeless Shelter On West 9th Street

The Coalition for Carroll Gardens (CCG), represents the residents, business owners, and neighbors of Carroll Gardens has continued to expressing serious concerns about the lack of public process surrounding the placement of a proposed 170-bed shelter at 165 West 9th Street. Specifically, they have raised questions regarding the suitability of the building, illegal construction, lack of provision of social services, or security. Last, but not least, the Coalition is troubled by the fact that the landlord of the building, Alan Lapes, is tightly connected to Housing Solutions USA/Aguila Inc., the non-profit organization that has put forth the plan for the shelter. Incidentally, Housing Solutions USA/Aguila is headed by Robert Hess, the Bloomberg administration’s former head of the Department of Homeless Services (DHS).

CCG formed shortly after learning of the proposed shelter and has worked tirelessly over the last two months to reach out to elected officials, local businesses and neighbors to demand transparency and an open public pocess. They have also raised funds to hire attorney Steven Kirkpatrick as legal council, On the Coalition's behalf, Kirkpatrick filed Article 78 proceeding against the City.

On November 20, Kings County Supreme Justice David Schmidt issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) prohibiting the City and its contractors from “using the Building in violation of applicable laws and requirements.”

On December 7th, Judge Carl Landisino continued the TRO and gave the group until January 25, 2012 to put in additional papers and for the respondents to reply.

In order to continue legal action, CCG is asking for donations from the community to cover costs.

Below is a press release just issued by the group.

SUPPORT THE COALTION FOR CARROLL GARDENS DONATE NOW!

WHY SHOULD YOU DONATE?
• The proposal to house 170 men is wildly out of proportion with the original intended use of the building, creating an illegal and unsafe situation for clients and neighbors alike.
• The landlord with a criminal record received a no-bid city contract for the shelter, generating over $520K a month. (Corruption Link)• Housing Solutions USA’s board members have numerous connections to shelter operators and landlords with a history of running substandard, dangerous, and crime-ridden facilities (eg the Alladin Homeless Shelter on West 45th St). (Corruption Link)• 165 West 9th st, built by an architect now barred from practicing in NY State, has been empty since its construction over ten years ago due to code violations and no legal Certificate of Occupancy. (Corruption Link)

WHO IS THE COALITION FOR CARROLL GARDENS (CCG)?
• CCG is a growing coalition of over 120 families, 700 residents and representatives from their buildings and coop boards and 100 businesses . 

WHAT IS CCG DOING TO BLOCK THE PROPOSED HOMELESS SHELTER?
• CCG has retained an attorney, Steven Kirkpatrick, from Belkin, Burden Wenig & Goldman, LLP to represent us in a lawsuit against the City of New York. 

WHERE DOES THE LAWSUIT CURRENTLY STAND?
• On December 7th, the Honorable Carl Landisino granted a continuation of the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) that requires the respondants to comply with all applicable laws regarding the opening and operation of the proposed shelter until the next hearing date scheduled for January 25, 2013. The City is currently attempting to have the case dismissed so that they can move forward on the proposed 170 bed men’s shelter. 

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
• The six-week adjournment without occupancy gives us an ample opportunity to scrutinize and refute the claims of the City. HOWEVER, CCG cannot continue to fund the attorney and our case without help from YOU! 

DONATE NOW TO STOP CORRUPT NO BID CONTRACTS THAT SIDELINE LOCAL COMMUNITY INPUT!
• All money is directed through the Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association and goes directly towards legal costs.
We’ve raised approximated $20,000 from households and businesses throughout the neighborhood. We need $30,000 more to be sure we can continue this case! 

DONATE BY PAYPAL:
http://www.ccgbrooklyn.com/donate/
DONATE BY MAIL:
Please send checks payable to:
CGNA (Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association)
Mail to:
RY Management
505 Court Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231

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Carroll Gardeners Came Out In Force To Express Concerns About Proposed Homeless Shelter On West 9th Street

Community Board 6's Chairman Daniel Kumer

Paige Bellenbaum of Community Board 6's Youth and Human Services Committee

Robert Hess of Housing Solutions/Aguila, Inc.

Alex Zablocki, spokesman for NYC's Dept. of Homeless Services

Councilman Brad Lander, Assemblywoman Joan Millman, State Senator Daniel Squadron

State Senator Daniel Squadron

Councilman Brad Lander

Last night, the Carroll Gardens community came out in full force to an informational  meeting hosted by Community Board 6's Youth and Human Services Committee regarding the proposed homeless shelter at 165 West 9th Street.  The auditorium at PS 58, where the meeting was held, was filled to capacity.  Obviously, the proposal had generated not only much interest but also stirred some emotions.

Representatives of  Housing Solutions USA/Aguila Inc., the non-profit organization that proposed the shelter, and of  NYC's Dept. of Homeless Services (DHS) were also in attendance.  So were our elected officials.

CB6 Chairman Daniel Kumer opened the meeting by stating that since the shelter is being authorized under the “Emergency Contract” rule,  CB6 does not have a formal role beyond having received a notification about the proposal.  However, in a statement read by CB6 member Paige Bellenbaum, "that does not mean that we cannot express our views to the City's administration if we choose to."

Kumer explained that the Board had asked Housing Solutions/Aguila, Inc.  for a copy of the plan, but was referred to the City's Department of Homeless Services. The agency had not provided a plan as of last evening.

Robert Hess of Housing Solutions/Aguila, Inc. gave a brief presentation.  "We have operated non-profits for many, many years.  I have served as the head of Homeless Services for the city of Philadelphia for 5 years and have been the commissioner for Homeless Services for the Bloomberg Administration's second term," he stated.  "This is a subject that is near and dear to my heart."
The non-profit organization operates several shelters in the Bronx, he explained.  This particular homeless shelter will be its first in Brooklyn.  In regards to this particular location,  Hess stated:" We constantly monitor demand for shelters. Very tragically in this city, we are seeing a huge uptick in the level of demand in homeless services."  He continued: " The good news is, I think, that we live in the only city in our country that has a 'legal right to shelter'.  That means that each and every individual that has a need for shelter will be provided."
The property at West 9th Street had been shown to the non-profit by its owner Alan Lapes.  "From our perspective it was a very good facility to house single adults.  We made the City aware of the facility.  They came and took a look and agreed. We made a proposal to the City to house 170 single men in that facility.  We expect a significant security force, case managers, record and supervisors and specialists on sight."  He added: " So that's our objective. It really isn't more complicated that that."

Representatives of NYC's Department of Homeless Services (DHS) then gave a brief presentation.
The agency's spokesperson, Alex Zablocki explained that the homeless men will be referred to this particular shelter from the agency's central intake point at 32 First Avenue in Manhattan.  The Carroll Gardens shelter will house employable men, who will stay at the facility from 6 months to a year on average.

Zablocki further explained the “emergency contract” rule.  "Our agency must offer a bed to every individual that comes to our intake center for services. In May 2012, our census number for single adults showed that there are 8,965 people in the system, 5% above the level in 2011 and 17% above the level in 2010."
In June of 2012, DHS's Commissioner made a request to the City's Comptroller John Liu in order to be able to expedite proposals to bring the number of available shelter beds up in order to fill the need."
We want you to understand that we work under the State mandate , that we have to provide this service, and that we look to communities across the city to put shelters online.
Asked whether some of the homeless men sheltered at the facility may be criminals or sex offenders, DHS representatives explained that the agency is not allowed to inquire about criminal history.  "The 'Right To Shelter' policy does not disqualify those with a criminal record" he stated. "They are coming to us because they don't have any other options."

Assemblywoman Joan Millman, State Senator Daniel Squadron and Councilman Brad Lander stood united in declaring that the way DHS has handled the proposal by Housing Solutions USA and Aguila, Inc. "has not been collaborative, thoughtful, or well conceived."  Despite repeated requests in writing, the agency has failed to " substantially address the issues we raised."

Some of the issues are:
-how is it possible to squeeze 170 people into a 10-unit building?
-no building  plans have been provided
-no security proposal has been provided
-no service plan has been provided
-DHS has failed to address serious potential conflicts of interests

Senator Squadron felt that: " As a Carroll Gardens resident, I just want to say that we understand fair share and we do understand that,  because of a woefully failed homeless policy by the City administration, we have a higher rate of homelessness than we ever had and that every neighborhood has to play a fair and reasonable part.  The problem is that this proposal is ill-conceived and ill thought-out.  I don't know if you have ever walked on that block, but the idea of 170 people, whether it be seniors in need or college or single homeless men or any one living there doesn't make sense."

Carroll Gardens residents were very vocal about their concerns throughout the meeting.  They demanded to know if it was safe to put so many people in the proposed building,  why construction crews were currently working on the building without permits,  why bunk beds and mattresses had already been moved in, and most importantly, why this had been done through side -door process.
Members of the audience also mentioned more than once that the relationship between the owners of the building and Housing Solutions USA/ Aguila Inc. certainly gave the appearance impropriety.
(See the handout by Coalition For Carroll Gardens Brooklyn below)


Alex Zablocki  explained that the New York State Office Of Temporary Disability Assistance (OTDA), not DHS, will make the final decision to issue an operating certificate for the West 9th Street facility.  As for determining whether the building is safe for 170 people,  that is the responsibility of the Building's Department.

After most of the residents had left, the members of CB6's Youth and Human Services Committee
unanimously passed a motion which read:  "Community Board 6 opposes the use of 165 West 9th Street for a 170-bed homeless shelter for 170 men and calls for the New York City's Department of Homeless Services to reject the proposal on the basis of lack of process and merit."
The motion will be voted on by the full Board at the next general meeting.

Where you there last night?  What did you think?

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Elected Officials Find Dept. Of Homeless Services' Response to Questions Regarding Proposed Shelter In Carroll Gardens "Inadequate And Unresponsive"

Last week, Councilmember Brad Lander, Borough President Marty Markowitz, State Senator Daniel Squadron, and Assemblywoman Joan Millman wrote a joint letter to Seth Diamond, Commissioner of NYC Department of Homeless Services, in regards to the proposed homeless shelter at 165 West 9th Street. In the letter, our elected officials cited the lack of public process, the tight space for 170 men in the 10-unit building as well as the absence of a plan to provide social services for them.

Yesterday afternoon, Markowitz, Lander, Squadron and Millman received a response from Commissioner Diamond.
In the letter, Diamond states that:
-use of the building for 170 single adults is compliant with Part 491 and all applicable code and occupancy requirements.
-recent complaints to NYC's Department of Buildings were found unwarranted after inspections.
-Housing Solutions USA/Aguila Inc,, the non-profit organization that will be managing the shelter will have a service rich team consisting of 47 staff members that "will coordinate services to identify clients' barriers to permanency, establish a service plan and assist residents in obtaining permanent housing as quickly as possible."
-the building will be secured 24/7 and security cameras will be installed.
-extensive background information about Aguila and the provider's officers will be conducted.

According to Councilman Lander, who posted Diamond's response on his website:

My colleagues and I find this letter to be inadequate and unresponsive to our questions and the community’s appropriate and reasonable concerns. DHS failed to provide building plans, describe the construction work that is underway, or address the Certificate of Occupancy issues; failed to provide the service plan proposed by Housing Solutions USA; failed to provide sufficient information about the security program proposed by Housing Solutions USA; failed to address the use of the City’s emergency contracting rules to rush through this proposal without community input or good public process; and failed to address the potential conflicts-of-interests identified (concerns which have been amplified in the past week, as the result of additional information that has come to light, first in New York Times here, and then covered in detail by Capital New York here and here).

Representatives of   NYC Department of Homeless Services and Housing Solutions USA/Aguila Inc will be available at the community informational meeting tonight, October 24h, 6:30 PM in PS 58's auditorium.

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Best Comment Of The Day: It Is Crucial

Anonymous has left the following comment on the post "Markowitz, Squadron, Millman And Lander Express Concerns About Proposed Carroll Gardens Shelter":

While this seems to be a step in the right direction, let's not forget that DHS has no obligation to listen to elected officials under the emergency dictate.Work is still going on at the site and dozens of bed frames have been put together and stacked outside at the back of the building.It is as crucial as ever to sign the petition here and to attend the CB6 meeting on Wednesday October 24, 6:30pm at PS58.

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Markowitz, Squadron, Millman And Lander Express Concerns About Proposed Carroll Gardens Shelter

Our elected representatives seem to share the same concerns about the proposed Homeless shelter at 165 West 9th Street here in Carroll Gardens.

In a letter to NYC Department Of Homeless Services Commissioner Diamond, Councilmember Brad Lander, Borough President Marty Markowitz, State Senator Daniel Squadron, and Assemblywoman Joan Millman cite the lack of public process,  the tight space for 170 men in the 10-unit building as well as the absence of a plan to provide social services for them.

They also question the fact that the owner of the building Charles Wertman, is also a board member of Housing Solutions USA, the non-profit proposing the shelter.

Please find the entire letter below.

October 16, 2012

Mr. Seth Diamond 

CommissionerNYC Department of Homeless Services
33 Beaver Street, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10004

Dear Commissioner Diamond:
We are writing in response to the community notification received by Brooklyn Community Board 6 on Friday October 5, 2012, in which Housing Solutions USA – in partnership with the NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) – announced their intention to open a 170-bed homeless shelter at 165 West 9th Street, between Court Street and Hamilton Avenue, in Carroll Gardens. We have numerous concerns about the proposal.

With homelessness at all-time high, every neighborhood – including Carroll Gardens – has a role to play in making sure that all New Yorkers have a safe place to sleep at night. Safe and decent housing is essential for all of us, and we recognize that we all have to do our fair share. We recognize that it is our collective responsibility – as both a city and a community – to support the mission of the NYC Department of Homeless Services and to provide shelter for homeless New Yorkers. If DHS will work with us and our community in a collaborative fashion to develop an appropriate proposal, we are committed to supporting a shelter in Carroll Gardens.

However, that must not mean using the City’s emergency contracting provisions to rush an ill-conceived project through, with only a half-page, 30-day notice to the community, squeezing 170 people into a 10-unit building, with no plans provided for social services or security, and disregard for City rules and processes, including an apparent conflict of interest. In particular:

*We do not understand how it is possible – or advisable – to squeeze 170 people into a 10-unit building on a block of three-family homes. We have asked this question several times, and received no answer.

*The building currently has a Certificate of Occupancy as a 10-unit, Class A apartment building. No plans to amend this have been posted on the NYC Department of Buildings website. Are you aware of plans to change the C of O? No plans have been provided to us, despite several requests.

*It appears to us that construction work has been taking place in the building without a permit. No permits have been filed with DOB, or posted on their site. This appears to be a violation of law, and reflects disregard for safety and the community. If permits are in fact required, but have not been filed, work should of course be stopped immediately.

*We have seen no plans for the provision of social services or security, which are of course an essential element of any homeless shelter. It is outrageous that the 30-day notice requirement could be satisfied by a half-page letter that includes no details – not the population intended for the building, not the plans, no provision for social services, no discussion of security. This does not reflect respect for the community or its elected officials, or a genuine desire for dialogue that would enable the proposed shelter to succeed in meeting the needs of its residents or its neighbors.

*The building appears to be owned by Charles Wertman, a board member of Housing Solutions USA. Given that the City of New York will pay substantial sums for the rent of the building, this suggests a large potential conflict-of-interest. Do DHS and HSUSA have conflicts-of-interest policies that are in accordance with relevant laws? Are these rules affected in some way by the emergency contract process?

Since you are providing the community with only a 30-day notice that is completely lacking in detail, we ask that you provide written responses to our concerns by the close of business on Friday, October 19.
We are aware that Housing Solutions USA has agreed to make a presentation at the Brooklyn Community Board 6 Human Services Committee meeting on Thursday October 24. DHS must also send a representative to attend this meeting.

Sincerely, 

Marty Markowitz, Brooklyn Borough President

Daniel Squadron,  NYState Senator

Joan Millman, NY State Assemblywoman

Brad Lander, NY City Councilmember

****A quick correction to the date for the presentation mentioned in the letter.  The meeting is actually next week on Wednesday, October 24.

What do you think of the letter?

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Carroll Gardeners Petitioning For Input And Due Process In Regards To Proposed Homeless Shelter

graphic by Jeff Anzulewicz at adesigndesk.com

About fifty Carroll Gardens residents, who live in close proximity to the proposed 170 homeless shelter at 165 West 9th Street, met last night with a representative of Councilman Brad Lander's office to gather more information about the plan. Though some of their questions were answered, it was clear that much remains to be learned about the proposal as well as about Housing Solutions USA/Aguila Inc., the Bronx-based non-profit company who will be running the program.

The concerns expressed by the residents were absolutely reasonable and dealt more with the fact that the community was never part of the conversation and that they were not given the opportunity to help plan for the integration of the shelter into the community. 

However, the biggest concerns stems from the sheer number of homeless men who will be squeezed into a 10-unit building that has been plagued by problems since it was constructed in 2002.

"That is not right to them. It's not right to us, " said Kevin Duffy, one of the residents in attendance. 

A petition is now being circulated in the neighborhood.  It reads:

"Community input and due process are part of the building blocks of our local democracies. The redesignation of buildings without any community input in a neighborhood full of concerned residents, families and local businesses seems to negate their role in community development and is a top down power move that negates the vibrancy and importance of local residents."

Dear Elected Official, 
We are writing as residents, neighbors, Business Owners, Parents and property owners in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. We have only just been informed that Housing Solutions USA, a social services organization intends – in partnership with the NYC Department of Homeless Services – to open a 170-bed homeless shelter for men at 165 West 9th Street, between Court Street & Hamilton Avenue, in Carroll Gardens. A ten unit condo building that was built in the 1990s.

We have also been told that this is being authorized under an “emergency contract” rule, which only requires 30 days community notice. Under emergency contract rules, there is no formal opportunity for public input, no input from my office or the full City Council, and no vote.

Our concern is the lack of due process and community input for this venture before its arrival. We are demanding a process whereby we can meet with elected officials and understand how these decisions that affect our neighborhood have been made and we have the opportunity to be heard and take a role in this process. We are not opposing the establishment of shelters or homeless people in the neighborhood and understand the necessity to shelter those who have no roof over their head. But we want to know how the decision to use this building took place, and how it can be designated for 170 men without any community input? If it arrives under an emergency contract rule, how long does such a dictate last? At what point does the “emergency” run out?

The proposed Shelter is in a ten unit condo building that has remained vacant or partially occupied since its construction due to its poor quality of construction and other problems. It is located in a residential neighborhood of mostly two to three story houses. The neighborhood is a family area with small locally owned and run businesses. We prize diversity of all sorts. But why would this building not be allocated to homeless families with children who could benefit from the excellent public school for example? How did the number of 170 come to be allocated to a building that has ten units.

We cannot understand how the process of local democracy and neighborhood revitalization can take place if the DSS and city services can essentially redesignate the use of buildings with only 30 days notice to the very community where it plans to establish itself. Moreover the community deserve more explanation and input on a matter that has broad scale implications for its development.

You can find the petition here.

And don't forget that there will be an informational meeting on this matter on October 24th.
The information is here. I will post more information in the next few days, so stay tuned.

If you would like to print some fliers regarding the community meeting so that you can distribute to neighbors, click here:  http://adesigndesk.com/CG_Shelter.pdf .

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Informational Meeting On Proposed Carroll Gardens Homeless Shelter Set For October 24th

Photo above taken this morning.  Are mattresses already being moved into the proposed shelter?

News that Housing Solutions USA/Aguila Inc., a Bronx-based non-profit organization, intends to submit a proposal to the NYC Department of Homeless Services to house 170 single adults at 165 West 9th Street near Court Street, spread around the neighborhood ever since it has been announced late last week.

On Thursday last week, Community Board 6's office had received a letter from the organization announcing its plan. "The news took us by surprise," Community Board 6 Chairman Daniel Kumer declared last night at the board's monthly meeting.  "At this moment, we don't have any more information."    He added:  "The plan does not require input from CB6, nor from our elected officials. There is no public review. However, we will continue to broadcast about this matter on CB6's website."
In addition, a public informational meeting has been scheduled by CB6 for October 24th at 6:30 PM. The meeting place will be announced as soon as confirmed. Represenatives from both Housing Solutions USA/Aguila Inc. and the Department of Homeless Services have been invited.
"Hopefully, we can replace fear with facts," Daniel Kumer stated.

Meanwhile, Councilmember Brad Lander has issued his own statement on the proposed shelter.
He states:

Safe and decent housing is essential for all of us, and I am glad that New York recognizes a “right to shelter.” I have worked throughout my career to create and preserve affordable housing and to combat homelessness. As a City Councilmember, I hear every week from constituents who are on the brink of losing their apartments and becoming homeless.
The Bloomberg Administration’s homeless policy – eliminating long-standing pathways to affordable housing – has been an abysmal failure. As a result, homelessness is at an-time high, with over 46,000 New Yorkers, tragically including over 19,000 children, sleeping in shelters each night. As I have done dozens of times in recent years, I implore Mayor Bloomberg to restore pathways to permanent housing in NYCHA, Section 8, and other subsidized housing for homeless families. We know the way to reduce homelessness, and it is a scandal that he keeps choosing not to do it.

With homelessness rising due to their policy failure, the Bloomberg Administration has resorted to opening more and more shelters. While no one is excited about a shelter in their community, we all have to do our part. Every neighborhood in New York City, including Carroll Gardens, has a role to play in ensuring that all New Yorkers have somewhere safe to sleep at night.
But homeless shelters need to be sited in locations that make sense. I am very concerned about the proposal from the NYC Department of Homeless Services and Housing Solutions USA for a 170-bed single homeless men’s shelter at 165 West 9th Street, a building that was constructed to be a 10-unit condo building, on a block otherwise made up of three story homes. I do not understand how the proposed shelter could fit responsibly into the building, or how the dramatically increased population would fit into the block and surrounding area.

A local resident probably reflected the community's sentiment best when stating:  "We demand community input before they move 170 people into a sub standard structure built as 10 units... And I implore our Electeds to act as leaders and work with us to find solutions immediately."

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Homeless Shelter For Scarano-Designed Building On West 9th Street In Carroll Gardens?

Late last week, Craig Hammerman, Community Board 6's district manager distributed the letter above that was sent to his office from Housing Solutions USA/Aguila Inc., a Bronx-based non-profit organization that provides services  to homeless families in the Bronx as well as in Manhattan.
The organization intends to submit a proposal to the Department of Homeless Services to house 170 single adults at 165 West 9th Street  right at the corner of Court Street near Hamilton Avenue.

The 7-story building in question was built in 2002, but its 10 residential units and commercial space have remained mostly empty to this day. (According to a resident of West 9th Street, some of the upper apartments have been occupied off and on for the past few years.)

Why the units at 165 West 9th Street have never been rented or sold at market value may have to do with some problems with the construction. The project appears to have been self certified by Robert Scarano** of Scarano & Associtaes Architects. Long the darling of Brooklyn developers for his creative floor-area calculations and use of illegal mezzanines to maximize building height, floor area, and lot coverage, Scarano eventually lost his license after he went too far. In permits filed in 2001 for this particular building, there is mention of mezzanines.   It is interesting to note that a final Certificate of Occupancy has only been issued in 2010.
Recently, construction work has been performed on the interior.

Daniel Kreitzman, owner of Fat Cat Wines at 538 Court Street, just around the corner from this  building,  expressed his concern to Community Board 6 in an email.  He writes:  "We were all expecting a free market rental building to open in that space to really increase business and revitalize the neighborhood. Instead this is the worst thing that could possibly happen to businesses with an already fragile economy. There have been so many positive changes in the neighborhood because hard working people have been willing to put there life savings and heart and soul into opening businesses here at the bottom of Court Street."

Acording to a response from Craig Hammerman: "We are in the process of setting up a public Informational Meeting for the Community Board and community to learn more about this proposal firsthand, and will be sending out a followup announcement as soon as the meeting details are confirmed."

**Carroll Gardeners may better remember Scarano for the 'tumor building at 333 Carroll Street and the mezzanines at the Satori Building on Bond Street.




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