The battle over a proposed homeless shelter at 2134 Coyle Street is escalating, as community resistance shows no signs of slowing, and political alliances cross traditional party lines. Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse finds herself in the eye of the storm, facing growing pressure from residents and intense scrutiny from her own constituents, despite her public opposition to the shelter plan (see “Community Rallies Against Homeless Shelter ‘Bait and Switch,’” Canarsie Courier, April 3, 2025).
On Tuesday, April 1st, dozens of protestors marched on Narcisse’s District Office at 5827 Flatlands Avenue, holding signs, chanting slogans and demanding answers. Demonstrators have been camping out at the Coyle Street site around the clock in an effort to block construction and prevent developers from breaking ground. Many remain unconvinced by Narcisse’s insistence that she is on their side.
“The City Council member has the authority to overturn this, but she’s playing games!” one protestor shouted. “She promised to ‘solve the problem’ in one week — we’re waiting to see how this turns out!”
Narcisse made a rain-soaked visit to the Coyle Street site on Saturday, April 5th, where she showed solidarity with those opposing the shelter and expressed frustration with how the city administration handled the process. “I share the anger and frustration expressed by many at the recent protest,” she said. “The way this shelter plan was handled by the city administration was unacceptable.” Narcisse claimed she had been misled by developers who initially presented the project as affordable housing and that her office was slow-walked by the Department of Social Services (DSS) when trying to get clarity.
“From the moment my office was notified, I pushed back,” she added. “I’ve been clear that the community was misled, and I’ve been fighting ever since to reverse this decision and return to the original plan for affordable housing — the one that was approved by Community Board 15 and the City Council.”
Despite these assurances, residents remain skeptical. Critics say Narcisse was informed far earlier than she let on, citing a letter circulated by DSS that was allegedly sent to her in July 2023. That letter, they claim, provided advance notice of the shelter, making her later claims of surprise hard to believe. In response, Narcisse insists that she was also a victim of misinformation and continues to push back through official channels.
Also at the center of controversy is CB15 Chairperson Theresa Scavo, who was called out by residents who allege that she too had advance knowledge that the promised housing would be converted into a homeless shelter, citing that she received a similar letter directly addressed to her. Without denying it, Scavo said she passed it along to elected officials who said they would take care of it.
“I want to assure everyone that I remain in direct communication with the mayoral administration and am actively participating in a working group with city officials to seek a resolution that truly reflects the will and best interests of our community,” Narcisse said, vowing to keep residents informed.
Narcisse told protestors on Saturday, “I have a plan,” though she has yet to publicly release specifics. That plan is believed to involve navigating new programs under the city’s Affordable Housing Services initiative, which offers rental guarantees to nonprofit developers and aims to convert shelters into permanent housing solutions. While officials describe the program as innovative, residents argue it bypasses local input and imposes policy on communities under the guise of progress.
In an unexpected twist, Narcisse found a vocal ally in Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, a Republican representing neighboring District 48. At a South Brooklyn Republican Club meeting on Wednesday, April 2nd, Vernikov offered a strong and personal defense of her Democratic colleague. “I know this may surprise you, but I stand with Councilwoman Narcisse on this issue,” she said. “I believe her when she says she was lied to. I’ve been lied to too. I have no reason to doubt her sincerity.”
Vernikov explained that although the shelter is not located within her district, it affects many of her constituents, including businesses and a nearby daycare center. “The bigger fight is against the city administration and these agencies who continuously mislead communities,” she said. “We must come together on this.”
She emphasized the need for community unity and urged protestors not to lose focus: “You have a right to be angry, and you have a right to demand the truth.” Vernikov said she is working with Narcisse on this issue and has also signed onto a joint letter to Mayor Eric Adams opposing the shelter. She criticized the DSS and Department of Homeless Services for ignoring local voices.
The demonstrators, however, remain unconvinced by words alone. “Our community will continue to hold her accountable for her poor decisions,” a protestor stated. “The resolution is simple — STOP the homeless shelter!”
Protest organizers are calling on neighbors to stay engaged and informed and to vote in upcoming elections. “Stay connected with what’s happening in your community — if not, you will be left out of the conversation!” one speaker urged.
As tents remain planted and signs remain high at the Coyle Street site, residents continue their round-the-clock resistance. With Narcisse’s self-imposed timeline to present her plan in the coming weeks to “solve the problem” ticking away, the neighborhood is waiting — and watching. For now, the work and the protests continue.
