Residents of Indian Village, Morris Park, Van Nest, and Pelham Parkway have voiced strong opposition to the proposed “Just Home” housing project slated for Jacobi Hospital’s Building 2, calling it a “community-destroying initiative” backed by outside investors rather than local stakeholders.

In a unified appeal, residents are urging Mayor Eric Adams, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and all New York City Council members to vote against the proposal when it comes up for consideration on September 18. They argue that the community’s needs should outweigh external interests, insisting on an alternative use for the site.

Instead of “Just Home,” the coalition of residents and community leaders are demanding that the building be repurposed into STEMDUP Academy, a specialized STEM-focused elementary public school at 1900 Seminole Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461. Advocates say the school would address the educational gap faced by minority and marginalized students, preparing them to enter the national STEM labor force at a time when opportunities at top universities are becoming more limited for foreign students.

“Sheikh Musa Drammeh, speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, stressed: ‘Public resources must be prudently used for public benefits. Housing a specialized STEM elementary school is the most effective use of Jacobi Hospital’s Building 2. We have too many jails and shelters because we don’t prioritize investments in STEM education in the Bronx.’

Supporters of the school proposal echo Mayor Adams’ own words: ‘If we don’t educate, we will incarcerate.’ They argue that specialized STEM schools are a more impactful long-term investment than subsidizing housing programs that, in their view, have failed communities.

With the council vote looming, residents remain firm in their call: reject “Just Home” and prioritize education for Bronx children.