NY Lawmakers Propose Bill Banning Sex Offenders From Family Shelters

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Dozens of families now call the former Capri Whitestone Motel home, two months after it was turned into a 95-room homeless shelter.

"Many children live here but it's also home to individuals who I consider ticking time bombs: dangerous, sexual criminals," said State Sen. Jeff Klein, who is proposing legislation that would ban sex offenders from family shelters.

City Councilman Jimmy Vacca said he was shocked when he found out two sex offenders were allowed to live at the Crystal Family Residence in the Bronx.

"Homeless shelters are supposed to be a safe place for the homeless and for children who have already gone through traumatic experiences and who are already very vulnerable," Vacca said. "I think we have to be very vigilant to make sure that these dangerous sexual predators aren't living in homeless shelters, especially when there's families involved."

Vacca blames the New York City Department of Homeless Services.

"Under what circumstances, if any, does the Department of Homeless Services allow this to happen," Vacca said. "Why shouldn't every neighborhood in this city that has a homeless shelter be upset and concerned? That's the question that they have to be asked."

There was no comment from the shelter's management company.