Proposed Soup Kitchen Stirs Controversy in Babylon

Some Babylon residents are concerned that a soup kitchen may open at a local church.

Kevin Cruz, senior warden at Christ Episcopal Church, proposes to open a food program to feed between 30 to 50 people a week, and the village’s Zoning Board of Appeals is considering the proposal. Nestled in a residential neighborhood at 12 Prospect Street, the church already hosts Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and fellowship events.

Among those opposed to the soup kitchen are residents concerned about increased traffic in the area around the church, as well as the potential that strangers and unsavory characters may walk their streets.

“As a mom of three young kids I’m nervous, nervous about an influx of strangers wandering through the neighborhood on a weekly basis,” resident Valerie Basile told CBS New York.

At a zoning board meeting Wednesday, residents voiced their support for or opposition to the proposal.

Writing on Patch’s Facebook page, Patch reader Flo Siemsen wrote of the proposal: “I’m sure the community will be just fine and continue to be the wonderful little village that I love so much!”

More than a dozen initial commenters overwhelmingly wrote in support of the proposal. Michael Witten asked residents who deem the proposed soup kitchen dangerous and unsafe, “Why is it acceptable for people to gather and pray together yet it is not acceptable for the hungry to have their prayers answered?”

But one commenter, Debra Jean wrote: “I don’t believe the opposition is about not wanting to help people. There are food pantries throughout the Village. I don’t think the residents of the Village will be the people being served. There is an existing drug problem that has extended into our streets, the railroad station has a homeless population and increased crime. If we could get these issues under control first then we can open the doors to help others. The food pantries are certainly available to help them now.”

What are your thoughts on the proposed soup kitchen at Christ Episcopal Church?

Photo Credit: Flo Siemsen