Local residents and workers are decrying a homeless takeover under the FDR Drive, where mountains of trash, foul smells, and fights are regular occurrences.
According to locals, the parking area under the highway from 17th Street to 23rd Street has become a massive homeless shelter. Those who live in the Stuyvesant Town–Peter Cooper Village area say the sight of people sleeping on torn blankets and mattresses tugs at their heartstrings, and they wish the city would do more to help their plight.
Still, while they worry about their unhoused neighbors, they are also concerned about health hazards posed by piles of trash left by the FDR dwellers.
“The trash is my problem because it’s not hygienic,” a local who gave her name as Amy said. “It’s really, really bad. Like crazy bad.”
Upon investigation, amNewYork found strewn debris made up of torn clothing, plastic bags, and other items blanking the parking area, much of which had been pushed under cars. Strong odor accompanied everything from discarded footwear and broken umbrellas to sofas, light fixtures, and bookshelves. Even some tiny homes made of wood and traffic barriers could be found.
Several individuals also created their own living space between the Murphy Brothers Playground and the FDR entry ramp, opening a fire hydrant and breaking open a fence. Inside, spoons and toothbrushes are laid out under large plastic tarps just beside where children play.
According to a worker at the nearby Skyport Marina, the area under the FDR drive remained closed off for several years due to the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project, a measure intended to safeguard the area from flooding. However, since the construction was completed, those sleeping rough have taken shelter there.
“This is just a big trailway. The further you go, the more homeless people you see. The construction has gates up, and now people are doing anything to get in there. People are fighting to get in there; it’s first-come, first-served; it’s several of the fittest. It’s a f**ked up situation,” Tre’Shon Coleman said.
“I have seen a man standing there with no legs on two crutches trying to get money, that shows you what it takes to live in New York City,” Coleman added.
According to sources within the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), cleanup operations took place at the loading on June 22 and July 27, with another expected this week.
“DHS outreach workers have conducted consistent engagement at this location — offering shelter and other resources to New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Outreach workers will keep going back to offer support to any New Yorkers in need ahead of another cleaning operation scheduled for this coming Thursday,” a DHS spokesperson said. “We recognize this area has been impacted by quality-of-life issues, and we remain committed to addressing the community’s concerns while ensuring that we are offering suitable placements for any individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in this area.”
Despite the ongoing efforts to address the issue, local families say they are both concerned about the welfare of those living in squalid conditions and their children being close to the hovels.
“Trash brings more rodents,” a young mother said, who asked not to be identified. “The issue is also the homeless shelters, their conditions, and overcrowding.”
