The pushback against Duchess County's plan for a men and women shelter in Poughkeepsie continued at a rally on Thursday.

On Thursday night, more than 85 people and business owners packed Warring Elementary School to say they don't want it.

"I just think that this section of the city is fragile," says Steve Effron, CEO of EFCO Products, Inc. "We've seen some really good businesses moving in, residents moving in. We want to keep this momentum."

"It's already one of the most economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in the whole county, so it's just not fair that we keep citing these things in the same place," says Nathan Shook, 4th Ward and vice chair of the Common Council.

As News 12 has reported, Dutchess County officials want to build a supportive living facility for single men and women at 26 Oakley St.

But businesses and local advocates say the shelter would prevent neighborhood growth for new businesses and residents.

They say having the county jail in the area has already negatively affected the community's character and development.

People at the rally agree that more solutions to homelessness are needed, but say the vacant building on Oakley Street isn't the right place for it.

"It isn't right to have it in a place where there's so many schools," says Jasmaine Clay, founder of Saving Our Tomorrow.

"They don't understand the neighborhood and the consequences to the neighborhood," says Effron.

Some say they want to see the shelter built.

"There's a large homeless population in Poughkeepsie that needs and has the right to a dry place to sleep at night," says James Foote, a Poughkeepsie resident.

"Moving forward with Oakley Street is about helping people, helping our neighbors," says Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino in a statement. "Doing nothing leaves people behind and we cannot do that. The plan for Oakley Street will help expand services and support our neighbors who are ready to rebuild their lives and overcome the obstacles that led to homelessness.”