Program housing · 10/19/2026
Judge Blocks Work on Gravesend Shelter While Stop-Work Order Stands
Assemblymember William Colton and Councilmember Susan Zhuang say a judge has barred the developer of a planned Gravesend homeless shelter from building while a spring stop-work order remains in effect. Colton's office says the developer and DOB skipped steps such as gas and water shutoffs, rodent control and notice to neighbors. More than 53,000 people have signed a petition against the plan.
Reported by BK ReaderRead the original ↗
What happened
A judge has barred a developer from building a planned homeless shelter at 2501 86th St. in Gravesend, Brooklyn, while a stop-work order on the project remains in effect, according to Assemblymember William Colton and Councilmember Susan Zhuang. BK Reader reported the news. The stop-work order was first issued in the spring. On Oct. 16, Colton and Zhuang publicly celebrated that the order is continuing.
The city announced the shelter in 2023 as a facility for 150 single men. Opposition began then. Protests at the construction site started in the summer of 2024, and more than 53,000 people have signed a petition against the plan. The project had stalled but sped up in April 2026. Colton's office says community members and their representatives had raised concerns for three years before that.
The developer had received the go-ahead from the Department of Buildings (DOB). The case reached the courts after the owner of an adjacent property sued. Colton's office says the developer and DOB took shortcuts and skipped key requirements, including gas shutoff, water shutoff, rodent control, and notifications to neighbors and Community Board 11. Zhuang is calling on DOB to revoke the application entirely.
In April 2026, City Hall representatives said they were working to address concerns but that the project would move forward, Documented reported. A spokesperson cited the city's "equitable siting approach" and its commitment to making sure every community has adequate safety net resources. In an Oct. 16 press release, Colton said the $8 billion the city spends each year on homeless shelters should go instead toward permanent affordable housing with supportive services.
Key facts
- Address
- 2501 86th St., Gravesend, Brooklyn
- Planned use
- Homeless shelter for 150 single men
- First announced
- 2023
- Stop-work order
- Issued in spring 2026; a judge has barred construction while it remains in effect
- Who sued
- Owner of an adjacent property
- Agency
- Department of Buildings, which had given the developer the go-ahead
- Petition
- More than 53,000 signatures against the plan
- Shelter spending cited
- $8 billion a year citywide, per Colton
What it means
Caseworkers
The 150 beds planned for single men at this site are not moving forward while the court order and stop-work order stand. Do not count on them for near-term placements.
Landlords
This case shows that a neighboring property owner can take a DOB-approved project to court and get work halted. Owners near construction sites may want to know what notices and safety steps they are entitled to.
Buyers and owners
Projects that have DOB approval can still be stopped by stop-work orders and court action, which can drag timelines out for years. Factor that uncertainty into decisions about nearby property.
The highlights
- The planned shelter at 2501 86th St. would house 150 single men.
- The owner of an adjacent property took the matter to court after DOB approval.
- Councilmember Susan Zhuang is asking DOB to revoke the application entirely.
Why it matters
A neighboring owner used the courts to halt a DOB-approved project, and the case may slow new shelter capacity in southern Brooklyn.
What to do: Track DOB filings and stop-work orders for construction next to your property.
Not known yet
- Which court and judge issued the ruling, and whether it is temporary or final
- Who issued the stop-work order and what specific violations it cites
- Whether DOB will act on the call to revoke the application
- The developer's name and response, and whether the city plans to appeal or seek another site
Background
In New York City, the Department of Buildings can issue a stop-work order when it finds unsafe conditions or work that does not comply with permits or code. Work must stop until the problems are fixed and the order is lifted. Shelter sites are typically chosen by the Department of Social Services and its Department of Homeless Services, often in buildings run by private owners or nonprofit providers under city contracts. Neighbors and adjacent owners sometimes challenge these projects through agency complaints or in court.
Summary written by Bulwark from BK Reader’s reporting. The original story is at bkreader.com. This is general information, not legal advice.
Related
Follow Bulwark on WhatsApp
Deadline countdowns, rule changes, voucher rents and breaking NYC housing news in your WhatsApp Updates. Free.
Send the message that opens, then save our number. WhatsApp only shows updates from saved contacts.
Brooklyn, NY
Placing a voucher holder, or a unit that takes vouchers?
Caseworkers refer clients at no cost to the tenant. Landlords send the vacancy and we bring a program-ready tenant with the agency packet done.
Photo: Andre Carrotflower, CC BY-SA 4.0