File Photo
The City is planning on establishing a homeless shelter in this building on 101st Avenue in Ozone Park.
By Michael V. Cusenza
The Ozone Park Block Association on Friday led another rally, its fifth since June, decrying the City’s plan to establish a homeless shelter at 101st Avenue and 86th Street for 113 single adult men with mental illness.
Civic President Sam Esposito singled out U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan) for her presence at the latest demonstration in front of the proposed shelter site.
“I really need to acknowledge our Congresswoman Velazquez, who took the time out of her busy schedule and supported us,” Esposito said in a Facebook message posted shortly after the event. “Our congresswoman informed me that she has been on the phone today with the Department of Homeless Services and the Mayor’s Office. Along with [State] Sen. [Joe] Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) and Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven), the three of them have been working the phones to come to an agreement. We are eternally indebted to these elected officials for standing up for something they believe in and for representing Ozone Park.”
Esposito later posited on the social media platform that he thinks that the tide is turning in the community’s favor.
“We believe that, in the end, we are going to win,” he said. “You may have differences with the administration, but they are responding to our needs. And they are working closely with these elected officials to come to an agreement that will be amenable to all.”
That optimism seems to stand in stark contrast to the City’s position.
“We’re moving forward with opening this facility as soon as possible to give homeless New Yorkers the opportunity to be sheltered closer to the communities they called home before winter approaches,” DHS said in a statement.
In August, attorney Christopher Murray filed a lawsuit in Queens court against Mayor Bill de Blasio, City Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks, Lantern Community Services (shelter operator), and 101 Realty Group LLC (landlord). Esposito noted this week that a hearing on the matter is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 22.
But as the suit wends its way through the labyrinthine civil court system, Esposito implored his followers to stay positive—and respectful.
“I am asking everyone to please refrain from the nasty comments publically against the mayor or DHS,” he said on Friday. “Please have the respect to NOT bad mouth them. I have it from reliable sources they are listening and they are trying to change the situation. They are also reading our posts and your comments. I do not want to play group-post police and be forced to delete comments. As an organization, we need to work closely with this administration for many other things that benefit you.”
