A controversial homeless shelter in Valhalla, that sometimes houses sex offenders, became a big point of contention Tuesday in the state Senate rematch between Senator Nick Spano (R-Yonkers) and challenger Legislator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Yonkers).

The two squared off in their first face-to-face debate in Yonkers. When questions turned to the homeless facility, sparks flew between Spano and Stewart-Cousins. Spano says Stewart-Cousins did nothing to stop the shelter. Stewart-Cousins responded with anger when Spano implied she did not care enough to protect the families who live near the facility. She says the shelter is not in her district and accuses Spano of misrepresented facts in his television ads.

Spano and Stewart-Cousins were candidates two years ago in the longest recount in New York state history where Spano won by only 18 votes.