Please donate through this campaign link as we move into the second phase of our advocacy and community action efforts:

https://givebutter.com/east-side-accountability-alliance-community-action-fund-iqhocc

The City Approved a 200-Bed Facility at 1114 First Avenue Without Prior Community Notice.

The East Side Accountability Alliance is a neighborhood-based not-for-profit corporation formed to promote transparency, lawful process, and public accountability when large institutional facilities are introduced into high-density residential areas.

We recently learned — through media coverage published January 23, 2026 — of plans to open a 200-bed congregate shelter at 1114 First Avenue.

Residents were not notified in advance through a community meeting or formal outreach process.

This building sits within a dense residential corridor that includes childcare centers, schools, playgrounds, and family housing.

We are seeking legal review to determine whether proper procedures were followed.

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Questions We Are Investigating

As we began reviewing public records, several issues raised concerns that warrant independent legal analysis:

• DOB filings reflect approval as a hotel conversion rather than a congregate residential facility.

• Neighbors filed multiple DOB complaints regarding the building’s conversion.

• Public reporting has documented prior federal criminal proceedings involving former leadership associated with Bronx Parent Housing Network, an entity historically connected to the proposed operator.

DOJ sentencing: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/former-ceo-bronx-parent-housing-network-sentenced-participating-bribery-and-kickback

DOJ investigation coverage: https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/department-of-justice-opens-investigation-into-nyc-homeless-shelters-sources-say/

• Residents have raised concerns regarding operational planning, safety coordination, and community engagement.

Following community feedback, the City announced that the facility population would change from men to women. While that may alter program details, it does not resolve questions about the approval process itself.

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We Are Not Opposed to Shelters

New York City needs shelter solutions. We support responsible, lawful siting that includes proper permitting, environmental review where required, coordination with local agencies, and transparent communication.

Our concern is whether those steps were fully satisfied here.

A recent Manhattan Supreme Court decision involving shelter siting demonstrates that courts will review agency process when properly challenged.

If legal review determines that procedural violations occurred, appropriate legal action may be pursued.

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What Your Donation Funds

This is the initial round of fundraising to retain experienced New York land-use and administrative law counsel.

Funds will support:

• Legal retention and preliminary review

• FOIL requests for contracts, siting analysis, and operational documentation

• Review of DOB filings and Certificate of Occupancy history

• Evaluation of zoning and compliance issues

• Potential Article 78 litigation if warranted

No funds will be used for partisan political activity or personal compensation.

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How You Can Help

• Share this page

• Stay informed

• Engage respectfully with elected officials

• Encourage transparency and lawful process

Time matters when legal deadlines are involved.

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Legal & Tax Disclosure

East Side Accountability Alliance is a New York not-for-profit corporation and is not a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Contributions are not tax-deductible. Donations are voluntary and non-refundable and will be used solely for legal fees, court costs, regulatory review, and related professional expenses. No specific legal outcome is guaranteed.

East Side Accountability Alliance Legal Fund