Temporary Block Issued On Crown Heights Homeless Shelter

A judge temporarily blocked the opening of 1173 Bergen Street, a senior men’s homeless shelter in Crown Heights that would provide transitional housing for more than 100 residents.

Judge Paul Wooten issued a temporary restraining order Friday morning which prevents the City, the Department of Homeless Services, and CORE Services Group (the organization that would operate the shelter) from opening the shelter until Tuesday when another judge will hear the case.

1173 Bergen Street was originally slated to open Wednesday, March 22, however two block associations and several Crown Heights residents filed a petition Tuesday morning (March 21) to block the opening.

The plaintiffs argue that several city and state reviews have not yet been completed and that Crown Heights is unfairly oversaturated with shelters.

If permitted to open, 1173 Bergen Street would be the area’s twentieth homeless shelter.