A growing group of protesters returned to a Sheepshead Bay construction site Thursday morning—just hours after a tense confrontation with police led to multiple arrests outside 2134 Coyle Street. More than 30 people were gathered by mid-morning, many holding signs reading “No Homeless Shelter,” with some waving American flags. The demonstration follows two months of ongoing opposition to the city’s plan to turn the empty lot into a transitional housing facility for families. The protests escalated Wednesday night when NYPD officers responded to reports of disorder. Police say seven people were taken into custody—five were issued criminal court summonses, and two women were arrested. One woman, 62, was charged with reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct, and obstructing traffic. Another woman, 54, was charged with second-degree assault and menacing. Video shared with News 12 shows one of the arrests on the sidewalk as someone in the crowd appears to throw an object toward officers. In the video, officers can be heard instructing protesters to step back as tensions rose.

“We were told this would be affordable housing and not a shelter,” said protester Dimple Willabus. “The contractors said they had permission from the mayor and the council to begin work—that’s why people are outraged.” The mayor’s office said that the transitional housing facility was announced over a year ago. Officials say it will be the first of its kind in the district, designed to provide long-term housing for nearly 170 families with children. But some in the community say the project represents a “bait and switch,” and that they were not properly informed about the change in plans. Critics also cite concerns about the shelter’s proximity to schools and the lack of active construction permits for the site. Protesters say they have no plans to leave, and organizers expect more to arrive. News 12 will continue to follow this story as it develops.