Not in our neighborhood: Group opposing shelter holds fundraiser for legal fees

A group of people who oppose a homeless shelter moving into their neighborhood held a fundraiser Thursday in Peekskill.
Peekskill Safe and Strong was only expecting about 70 residents to attend its fundraiser at The New Yorker night club in Peekskill, but there were more than 200 people that showed up to support the cause.
The organization formed about seven months ago after learning the city's plan to move the homeless shelter from its current location on North Water Street to a vacant building on Washington Street, which is in a residential area.

They say safety is their biggest concern.
Near that location is 171 homes, over 20 businesses and five school bus stops within 800 feet of the building. 
The city is proposing a zoning change to allow the move to happen.
The proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward future legal fees as residents prepare to fight the city on this issue.

"It's very clear overwhelmingly residents and homeowners in Peekskill are not OK with the process of what's been going on,” says Lindsey Fitzgerald, of Peekskill Safe and Strong.

Organizers say they have proposed alternatives to the city, which include other locations or even keeping the shelter where it is right now.