UPDATE: Hi all I noticed a lot of people have donated here, please note all donations go to change.org to either promote the petition or promote change.org i am not sure, but I do not get any of the money, so if you wanted to send legal fees please don't donate here 

FORMAL PETITION OF OPPOSITION

Proposed halfway house for men at

1114 First Avenue, New York, NY

 
Submitted by Local Businesses and Residents

 
To:
Mayor of the City of New York
New York City Department of Homeless Services
New York City Council
Manhattan Community Board

 
Purpose of This Petition

This petition formally records the opposition of local businesses and residents to the proposed homeless shelter at 1114 First Avenue, New York, NY, and demands an immediate halt to the project pending transparency, impact analysis, and meaningful community engagement.

 
STATEMENT OF OPPOSITION

We, the undersigned business owners, operators and residents in the Upper East Side and surrounding neighborhoods, formally and unequivocally oppose the proposed homeless shelter at 1114 First Avenue.

This proposal has advanced without adequate notice, transparency, or meaningful engagement with the business community that sustains this area economically and employs hundreds of New Yorkers. The City’s failure to consult affected stakeholders prior to moving forward represents a serious breakdown in process and accountability.

Failing to notify local residents about the opening of a halfway house in New York City is problematic because it undermines transparency, erodes community trust, and deprives residents of the opportunity to raise practical concerns or prepare for changes in their neighborhood. Advance notice allows communities to engage constructively with service providers, understand the nature and supervision of the facility, and collaborate on issues such as safety, parking, sanitation, and neighborhood integration. 

While we acknowledge the need for humane and effective solutions to homelessness, the placement of a shelter at this location—without safeguards, planning, or community input—poses unacceptable risks to residents, small businesses, employees, customers, and the long-term stability of the neighborhood.

 
KEY CONCERNS

1. Lack of Transparency and Due Process
Local residents and businesses were not meaningfully informed or consulted prior to this siting decision.

2. Threat to Small Business Viability
Many businesses operate on narrow margins. Disruptions to customer access, sanitation, or public safety could result in closures and job losses.

3. Public Safety and Security Risks
No binding operational plan has been provided detailing security staffing, enforcement, or coordination with NYPD and emergency services.

4. Quality of Life and Customer Access
Businesses rely on a safe, accessible, and welcoming environment for customers and employees.

5. No Independent Impact Study
No publicly released economic, safety, or infrastructure impact assessment has been conducted.

 
FORMAL DEMANDS

We formally demand that the City of New York:

Immediately halt all actions related to the shelter at 1114 First Avenue.
Conduct and publicly release a comprehensive impact study addressing economic, safety, sanitation, and infrastructure effects.
Hold a mandatory public forum with affected businesses and residents prior to any approval.
Provide a detailed operational plan including staffing levels, security protocols, and enforcement measures.
Evaluate alternative locations or models that do not disproportionately burden this commercial corridor.
Until these conditions are met, we formally oppose the establishment of a men’s homeless shelter at 1114 First Avenue.