As it stands now, the Bedford-Atlantic Armory presents a conflict within Crown Heights. However, if New York City has its way, it may become a bigger conflict in the community.
The Armory is a single-male, homeless shelter located on the corner of Atlantic and Bedford Avenue in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. It is a well known fact that the people of Crown Heights shy away from having to walk in front of the armory–in fear of being harassed by one of the men. The shelter has been described as more of a prison, than a shelter. Perhaps one cause of the problem is that people are unaware of the conditions inside the armory. “I feel curious more than anything else. I pass the massive building almost everyday and don’t know anything about what goes on inside, can’t see through a window, no doors are left open, it’s literally a fortress separating me from them,” said local Crown Heights resident Tokunbo Anifalaje.
Some men are afraid of living there–knowing that theft and assault are very common problems within the shelter. This stands as a sizable issue on its own, so you would think the City would be doing something to mend the problem. That is precisely the opposite of what is happening though.
With ongoing discussions regarding renovating the already overpopulated shelter into New York City’s only Intake center, local Crown Heights residents are faced with an enormous burden. There are countless reasons why this poses a threat to the neighborhood.
Not only is it bad for Crown Heights residents, it is bad for the homeless men who would be in need of a bed. The armory is located inconveniently away from public transportation. It is also very far away from the current intake center which would require these men to have to travel long distances by foot to apply for shelter. The health concerns alone are too much of a problem for the Department of Homeless Services to handle. The Department of Homeless Services (DHS) planned to improve the initial screening done for newly homeless men entering the shelter, but this only protects the people inside the armory.
Even though it has been described as a prison, it is not. Therefore, these men are allowed to roam the streets of the neighborhood–most likely relying on selling drugs to make a quick buck. Statistically speaking, the proposed Intake Center would mean that approximately 14,000 homeless men in and out of Crown Heights each year. Crown Heights (Community District 8 ) is already one of the most overfilled communities in Brooklyn in regards to social service beds. The Intake Center would exacerbate the issue of an overcrowded community, with a high demand for social services.
The most proactive group fighting the renovations of the armory is the Coalition for Bedford Atlantic Armory Reform (CBAAR). Unfortunately they seem to have little to no power with the city. “We are in contact with the new Commissioner about their plans. Until they make it clear they are moving forward, there is not much for us to do,” said a CBAAR representative. The group is very encouraging of Crown Height residents to be involved and take a stance on the issue. “We will inform the community when it is time to take action: protests,rallies, letter writing, phone banks, etcetera.”
New York City and the DHS took it one step further in creating a larger problem out of it. DHS proposed that it would offer a monetary contribution to a track and field/recreation center that would be located inside the armory. Parents don’t seem to be fond of the idea of sending their children off to the Armory for recreation though. Not to mention that it would only be a contribution and the community would have to fund approximately 10 million dollars on its own to proceed with the recreation center. “We are not bargaining with DHS for taking an intake center, we are opposed to it completely,” stated the CBAAR rep.
The Department of Homeless Services is well aware of the strain it would put on the community as well as surrounding neighborhoods, by moving the only intake center–which is currently located in Manhattan–into Crown Heights. Rather than offer a partial contribution for a recreation center, they are trying other ways to repair the problem. “DHS has agreed to keep an intake center for single homeless men in Manhattan when the current one closes, we do not know how big or where,” said a CBAAR rep.
How you can get involved:
Crow Hill Community Association Website
Revitalizing Crown Heights Website
The Atlantic-Bedford Armory. Photo Courtesy of Nathania Zavi- Brooklyn Ink