Greenpointers Object to Sex Offenders in Shelter

A controversial homeless shelter at 400 McGuinness Boulevard in Greenpoint has upset residents again with the disclosure it is now housing sex offenders, The New York Daily News reported. After years of opposition from politicians and Greenpoint residents (1,500 of whom signed a petition against it), the shelter opened early under the radar over the summer. The facility is used to temporarily house 200 homeless men before they are sent to more suitable long-term shelter elsewhere. “My kids will not be let out of my eyesight,” the Daily News quoted a father of two who lives six blocks from the shelter as saying. “I used to let my 9-year old son ride around the block just to get a little bit of freedom. Now, there’s no way in hell I’ll ever let him do it.” A spokeswoman for the Department of Homeless Services, Heather Janik, noted that the agency is legally required to house all the city’s homeless regardless of criminal background.
Greenpoint Residents Angry Shelter Now Housing Sex Offenders [NY Daily News]
More Details on Just-Opened Greenpoint Homeless Shelter [Brownstoner]
Controversial Greenpoint Homeless Shelter Welcomes First Residents [DNAinfo]
400 McGuinness Is Now Open as a Shelter [Brownstoner] GMAP