Assemblyman Lester Chang (R,C-Brooklyn) is calling for action after reports of fraudulent activity have arisen about the 86th St. homeless shelter development in Bensonhurst. Noel Muir, a convicted con artist, was assigned to inspect the building to ensure it was asbestos free. However, reports now indicate he may have never conducted the inspection before declaring the site safe, raising serious public safety concerns.

For over two years, Chang has been a leading voice opposing the construction of the shelter, consistently calling for the project to be shut down due to public safety concerns. Since its introduction, the development has faced almost daily community protests.

“This is a case of blatant fraud, committed by a convicted fraudster. New Yorkers deserve to know how someone with this background was allowed to sign off on a critical safety inspection in the first place. This kind of failure puts public health at risk and undermines trust in the entire process. There must be a full investigation, real accountability and immediate safeguards put in place, and what other buildings has he inspected that may need to be reinspected?” said Chang.

The 86th Street homeless shelter, located near a major transit hub, will house around 150 men and is expected to open in 2027. Chang and his colleagues say they will continue to stand alongside the community in opposing the development and pushing for greater oversight and accountability.