Summary:
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul demands action from the Biden administration regarding the migrant crisis.
- Controversy arises over plans to house around 2,000 asylum seekers at Floyd Bennett Field, with concerns about resource strain and public health.
- Local residents express worries about taxpayers having to fund the housing plan and uncertainty regarding the migrants' health and background.
- Protesters suggest exploring alternative locations like Rikers Island for housing migrants, citing existing facilities.
- The influx of over 100,000 migrants to New York within the past year has intensified the need for suitable housing solutions.
- Governor Kathy Hochul emphasizes the federal government's responsibility in resolving the migrant crisis.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has called on the Biden administration to take immediate action in response to the growing migrant crisis. This demand comes as the city prepares to house thousands of asylum seekers at Floyd Bennett Field, leading to concerns among local residents about resource strain and potential public health risks.
Outrage has spread throughout Brooklyn as plans to accommodate around 2,000 asylum seekers at Floyd Bennett Field become public. Many residents are expressing their worries about the lack of infrastructure and resources to support such a move. Donna Connelly, a resident living nearby, questioned the financial burden on taxpayers, highlighting that the community in Rockaway and all of New York City would be footing the bill.
One major concern is the uncertainty surrounding the migrants' health status and origin. The lack of proper vetting and information has raised fears about public health safety and security. Protesters are urging the city to explore alternative locations for housing the migrants, including repurposing facilities like Rikers Island, which already have amenities such as cafeterias and shower stalls.
The new shelter's capacity to accommodate 2,000 people aims to address the ongoing challenge of providing adequate housing for the influx of migrants arriving in New York. The surge in arrivals, numbering over 100,000 since the previous year, has placed immense pressure on the city's resources and infrastructure.
Governor Kathy Hochul reiterated her stance on the crisis, emphasizing that it is a federal responsibility to find a resolution to the issue. As New York and other cities grapple with the complex task of housing migrants, the plea for federal assistance grows stronger.