Thursday, January 20, 2022

Morris Park Community Association Meeting With New Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez


Wednesday January 19th was the MPCA meeting where new Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez was introduced, spoke, and took questions. There is another homeless shelter planned for Community Board 11, the third being a third Single Adult Men's shelter for 140 men. Two other Single Adult Men's homeless shelters of 200 men each are already in the process of being built in CB 11.

This 140 bed shelter is located at 2028 White Plains Road at the intersection of Bronxdale Avenue. The building was a former pool and Bingo parlor that closed years ago before the pandemic hit.

Councilwoman Velazquez gave the association ideas on fighting the shelter, and said she can't fight this alone, but with great community support there is a possibility of getting something done. She cautioned that it can not be a NIMBY, because that will not work. Ideas came from the audience, including this reporter telling of questions to former Mayor de Blasio on Fair Share, as to why the Bronx has 37% of the homeless population, while only having 18% of the city's population. The councilwoman continued on that idea, but said the community should be looking for an alternative site for this shelter.


(L - R) MPCA Treasurer Elio Morales, Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez, MPCA President Al D'Angelo, MPCA Vice-President Yahay Obeid, and MPCA Patrol Coordinator Lefty.

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