Cuomo pledges to block Brooklyn shelter proposed by Adams

Andrew Cuomo has pledged to block a controversial homeless shelter development in southern Brooklyn if elected mayor, a proposal that has sparked significant opposition from local residents. The shelter, planned for the corner of 86th Street and 25th Avenue in Bensonhurst, would offer beds, mental health counseling, and substance abuse treatment for 150 homeless individuals. Proposed by Mayor Adams’ administration in 2023, it would be the first of its kind in Bensonhurst.

City Councilwoman Susan Zhuang, a conservative Democrat representing the area, has been a vocal opponent of the project. Her campaign against the shelter culminated last summer when she was arrested for allegedly biting an NYPD chief during a protest at the development site. Zhuang’s criminal charges were dismissed last month after mediation with the officer involved.

Zhuang recently endorsed Cuomo’s 2025 mayoral campaign and has urged constituents to support him, stating he would halt the shelter project if elected. A Cuomo campaign spokesman confirmed the ex-governor would stop the development, citing the community’s feedback as being “outright ignored and misunderstood” by Adams’ administration.

Cuomo’s campaign representative emphasized the importance of considering the full context when placing shelters, noting that the proposed location is near a school and a senior center. “Of course we need to get homeless New Yorkers the help and the resources they need, but we must look at the full picture when we determine where to place shelters,” the spokesperson said.

Adams’ press secretary, Kayla Mamelak, defended the development, highlighting that the area lacks any homeless shelters and calling Cuomo’s opposition “hypocritical.” She stated the administration is committed to providing support to help residents stabilize their lives and move into permanent housing.

Zhuang described the shelter plan as “just one issue that disproportionately impacts our community,” and praised Cuomo for his record on supporting Asian-American and Pacific Islander New Yorkers.

The debate reflects broader tensions over housing insecurity and the placement of shelters in urban areas, with advocates and opponents emphasizing the need for both compassion and community input.

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