By Serena Solomon
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
UPPER WEST SIDE — A controversial homeless shelter that opened almost two months ago without the community’s consent will be discussed by the Department of Homeless Services at a local community board meeting next month.
The temporary shelter, which houses 80 women at 237 W. 107th St., opened in January after the DHS used an “emergency declaration” to bypass the normal community approval process by citing the rise of homelessness across the city.
DHS Commissioner Robert Hess will take questions from residents and Community Board 7 at an April 9 meeting, where he’ll likely face criticisms from the community over fast-tracking the process.
"We really hope all the people in the community who have concerns express them to him," said Barbara Van Buren, co-chair of CB 7’s Health and Human Services Committee.
Board members and residents are expected to discuss security measures taken at the shelter to protect both its residents and the larger community, as well as the type of support women are receiving.
The controversy began in late January when the shelter opened unbeknownst to the board and local residents, and grew in February when DHS introduced plans to increase the shelter’s size to accommodate 135 women and make it permanent.
"They [DHS] try to get in fast under the radar before anyone raises an eyebrow," said Mel Wymore, chair of Community Board 7, last month.
The department has since backed off the plan after residents raised concerns about the abusive reputation of the shelter's landlord, and promised not to increase the maximum number of women at the shelter past 80.
The meeting will take place on Fri., April 9, at the Church of Ascension, 221 W. 107th St.
