A proposal for a homeless facility in Ozone Park was met with fierce opposition Thursday night. NY1's Shannan Ferry filed the following report.
A heated town hall meeting took place Thursday to discuss a proposed homeless facility in Ozone Park.
"We don't know if there's sex offenders in here, these people can't survive on their own," said resident Christopher Chopin.
The city is working with non-profit 'Breaking Ground' on the proposal to serve homeless men and women at a building on Atlantic Avenue.
They said the plan is designed to serve 75 drop-in clients who can stop by for services, and an additional 25-50 transitional housing residents.
Councilmember Ruben Wills and State Assemblyman Michael Miller hosted the meeting. The goal was to give residents a chance to express their concerns to a panel of representatives behind the plan.
"This allows people to ask questions, and hopefully get some answers, whether they believe the answers or not, at least they are getting some answers, said Wills.
Answers that didn't seem to sit well with most of the residents who attended, especially since organizers don't plan to put a curfew in place.
"What happens if one day they're not on their medication or they're not receiving the help they need, or they just don't want the help, and they attack one of our children?" said resident Ivette Hurtado.
Organizers argue they will have 24/7 security inside and outside of the building, and won't let sex offenders in.
"Oftentimes it's the street homeless who are at risk, our commitment is to make sure that the place is safe for all including the community," said Daniel Tietz, Chief Special Services Officer, NYC Human Resources Administration.
There's no word on when the shelter would be opened if it's approved.
Councilman Wills said he wants to hold another meeting with a smaller group of residents soon.
Many residents said they plan to protest and rally until the plan is scrapped.