Bronx Residents Protest City's Plan for 2,200-Bed Migrant Shelter
The Adams administration defends the shelter as a temporary solution, but locals express safety and fairness concerns over the decision-making process.
- The New York City government plans to open a 2,200-bed shelter for migrant men in a South Bronx warehouse by late February, citing a need to manage a declining but still substantial migrant population.
- Residents voiced strong opposition during a community board meeting, raising concerns about safety, lack of community input, and prioritization of resources for migrants over long-time local residents in need.
- City officials stated the shelter is temporary and part of a broader effort to close other migrant facilities across the city, reducing the total number of shelter beds by 10,000 by June.
- Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and other local leaders criticized the decision, arguing the site could have been repurposed for job-creating initiatives and that the community deserved more consultation.
- The city has promised increased police presence, surveillance, and other safety measures near the shelter, while noting that many of the migrants are eligible for work permits and seeking employment.