PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY MONEY DONATED GOES TO CHANGE.ORG NOT to Protect Woodlawn. THANK YOU 

We, the undersigned residents of Woodlawn, the Bronx, are writing to express our strong opposition to the proposed establishment of a 29-bed adult men's SRO/shelter at 4350 Van Cortland Park East, Bronx, NY 10470, directly across the street from active children's playgrounds and a family-oriented residential area.

While we recognize the urgent need to address housing insecurity and homelessness in our city, we firmly believe that this specific location is inappropriate for the following reasons:

1. Incompatibility with a Family-Oriented Environment

This site is immediately adjacent to playgrounds, schools, and childcare facilities. Locating an adult men's shelter directly across from spaces where our children play every day raises legitimate concerns about safety and is simply not suitable. Our community includes many young families, seniors, and long-term residents who have worked hard to build and maintain a peaceful, welcoming neighborhood.

2. Erosion of Local Input and Zoning Protections

Recent changes to zoning regulations have been implemented without meaningful community consultation. These changes have stripped away important local safeguards that once protected the character and purpose of our residential zones. Bypassing community voices in such impactful decisions undermines public trust and fails to respect the people who live here.

3. Quality-of-Life and Public Safety Concerns

Like many areas of the Bronx, we already face persistent issues such as noise, pollution, and crime. The addition of a high-turnover adult facility—without comprehensive plans for security, support services, or integration—risks further destabilizing the neighborhood. There is a clear pattern in other parts of the city showing that poorly sited shelters without strong oversight can create serious challenges for both residents and shelter clients.

4. Lack of Transparency and Community Engagement 

The manner in which this project has been introduced has left many residents feeling blindsided and disrespected. No prior notice, no community board presentation, and no public hearings have been held to date. Decisions affecting the character of our neighborhoods must be made in partnership with the people who call them home.

We Call Upon Our Elected Officials to:

Halt the current shelter project at this location

 Hold public forums and hearings to solicit input from local residents

 Work with the community to identify appropriate, supportive housing solutions that do not compromise the safety and well-being of children and families

Reinstate or reinforce zoning protections that ensure transparency and appropriateness in the siting of new facilities 

This is not about opposing vulnerable populations. It is about standing up for the right of every community to be heard, and to make thoughtful, balanced decisions that respect both those in need and those already living here.

We urge you to act now to protect the integrity, safety, and character of our neighborhood.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY MONEY DONATED DOES NOT GO TO PROTECT WOODLAWN GROUP. IT IS A DONATION TO CHANGE.ORG ORGANIZATION. THANK YOU.