South Jersey residents upset over Burlington County’s new homeless shelter

1

WESTAMPTON TWP. — Tensions flared during a Westampton Township Committee meeting this week as residents criticized Burlington County Commissioners Director Felicia Hopson and other officials over a new emergency shelter project. Many expressed frustration over the lack of communication and transparency surrounding the shelter, which had its groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 30. Local homeowners said they were only recently made aware of the details, with one resident calling the process “very rude and snide.”

During the meeting, residents questioned Hopson’s claim that the public had two years to learn about the project and raise concerns. Dover Road resident Ashly Figaniak accused Hopson of avoiding outreach efforts. “You didn’t try to have any kind of conversation with the Westampton residents to see if we would have any questions or concerns,” she said. Hopson countered by saying the project had been discussed in Board of Commissioners meetings and minutes over the past two years, noting that the public always had opportunities to comment.

The county has emphasized that the facility is not solely a “homeless shelter,” but Hopson acknowledged it would assist individuals facing emergency homelessness, including victims of domestic violence. She described the shelter as addressing broader emergencies while also helping the county’s homeless population. Westampton Mayor Sandy Henley reiterated this point, clarifying that the shelter is intended for individuals in crisis situations, not exclusively for the homeless.

The debate at the meeting reflected broader concerns over the shelter’s impact on the community, transparency from officials, and the lack of advance communication with residents. Each resident had four minutes to speak, and many pressed for answers on shelter operations, funding, and oversight. Committeewoman Nancy Burkley also raised questions about cost reimbursement for the project, underscoring continued uncertainty about its financial management.

Despite Hopson’s assurances, residents remain skeptical, with some suggesting that county officials intentionally avoided public input to limit opposition. The controversy over the shelter’s rollout highlights ongoing tensions between county leadership and Westampton residents.