NYC parents and locals protest homeless men's shelter being built a short walk from middle school

Parents across Brooklyn's Canarsie neighborhood are demanding answers from New York City officials and Mayor Zohran Mamdani over plans to build a 200-bed men's homeless shelter just one block from a local middle school.Parents, teachers and other residents protested Monday night against plans for a 200-bed men's homeless shelter on East 108th Street that is expected to open in 2028, one block from the Science and Medicine Middle School 366 on East 107th Street.Among the protesters was New York City Council member Mercedes Narcisse, who represents the 46th District and criticized the city's Department of Social Services (DSS) in comments reported by News 12 Brooklyn.SEE IT: MASSIVE NYC HOMELESS ENCAMPMENT FUELS BACKLASH AGAINST MAMDANINew York City has faced backlash from residents over where it has opened homeless shelters.(Deb Cohn-Orbach/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)"You want to put it next to a school — a middle school for God's sake! These are our children! Shame!" Narcisse said.Narcisse said DSS informed her about the proposed shelter last week but had not sought her input, even though she represents the neighborhood.According to News 12 Brooklyn, the upcoming shelter is part of a broader citywide plan to open 12 new shelters, including three in Brooklyn.PARENTS IN BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD PLEAD FOR NYPD GUARD AS MAMDANI CUTS COPS, HALTS HIRES: 'HORRIBLE SITUATION'The Department of Social Services is reportedly planning on building 12 new shelters across New York City.

(John M.Taggart/Fox News Digital)Narcisse has requested a meeting with the DSS commissioner for Thursday to discuss residents' concerns.

However, many protesters are calling for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to attend."I asked for the commissioner, but now, my community says the mayor," Narcisse said.DSS confirmed plans to construct more shelters across the city and emphasized community engagement as part of the process."Notifying elected officials and community boards is a part...