Plan for men’s shelter spurs pushback from District 9

With city plans to develop a new men's shelter in Parkchester, hundreds of residents filled the streets Monday in protest of the upcoming development.
The development, proposed for 20-08 Westchester Ave., is expected to house around 165 men.
While the city does not need approval to build the shelter, residents voiced concerns about the development.
The community says it is a controversial location because so many children walk by the street, where two schools and a library are nearby.
Activists in the area are also upset that this would be the ninth homeless shelter in District 9, while other districts in the Bronx have yet to see a single shelter in their neighborhoods.
According to the Department of Homeless Services, the new shelter is geared toward helping homeless men secure jobs and get back on their feet. Those in opposition say this is not a strong enough case.
Residents say the bigger concern is the department did not give the community prior notice or ask for input.
The Department of Homeless Services says they gave notice to the community in February.