Senate Bill S5554

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S5554

SPONSOR: CHAN
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in
relation to the placement of homeless shelters

 
PURPOSE:

To ensure the safety and well-being of transit commuters and local
communities by prohibiting the establishment of homeless shelters within
500 feet of any transit facility.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 amends the Administrative Code of the City of New York by
adding a new section 21424.2, which states:

No homeless shelter shall be established within 500 feet of any transit
facility.

              

Defines "transit facility" to include rapid transit railroads, omnibus
lines, or any facility used for passenger transportation as common
carriers for hire, including mail or personal property transportation.

Section 2 establishes the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

The placement of homeless shelters near transit facilities has raised
concerns regarding public safety, accessibility, and the well-being of
both commuters and individuals experiencing homelessness. Public transit
hubs are high-traffic areas that should remain secure, accessible, and
operational without unnecessary obstructions or disturbances.

1. Safety and Public Order: Transit facilities must remain secure envi-
ronments for all commuters. High-density pedestrian zones require clear
pathways and unobstructed access. There is a high likelihood that home-
less individuals will frequent the Transit System to panhandle and
commit other petty crimes. This will also have an impact on businesses
that operate in the vicinity of Transit Locations.

2. Transit Efficiency: Congested areas around transit facilities hinder
public transportation operations and impact the daily commute for thou-
sands of New Yorkers.

3. Community Impact: Ensuring that homeless shelters are strategically
placed in locations better suited to provide necessary services without
disrupting transit hubs benefits both shelter residents and the broader
community.

4. Prevalence of Mental Illness Among Homeless Males: A significant
percentage of homeless single males suffer from untreated mental
illness, leading to erratic behavior and increasing the potential risk
for disturbances in transit facilities.



5. Presence of Mentally III Individuals in the Subway System: Many
mentally ill individuals already use the subway system as a refuge,
often exhibiting unpredictable and sometimes dangerous behavior.

6. Cases of Violence Toward Subway Passengers: There have been numerous
documented cases of subway passengers being assaulted by individuals
experiencing homelessness or mental illness, raising concerns about
safety.

7. Lack of Oversight During the Day: Many homeless shelters primarily
operate at night, leaving individuals without structured oversight or
services during daytime hours, increasing their likelihood of congregat-
ing in transit facilities.

8. Vulnerable Subway Users: The subway system is frequently used by
students, the elderly, and business professionals, who are particularly
vulnerable to harassment or crime in areas with high concentrations of
unstable individuals.

9. Alternative Placement Considerations: This bill does not aim to
reduce support for homeless individuals but rather ensures that shelters
are located in areas where comprehensive support services can be
adequately provided.  This legislation is a balanced approach to main-
taining public order, improving transit efficiency, and ensuring the
humane and effective placement of shelters.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

Minimal. The bill ensures the proper placement of shelters without
imposing additional financial burdens on the state.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after being signed into
law.