Controversy Surrounds Renewed NYC Lease for Floyd Bennett Field Migrant Shelter
The decision by Mayor Eric Adam’s administration to extend its lease of Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn has sparked controversy among immigrant rights activists and conservatives. The field currently houses nearly 2,000 migrants in sprawling tent shelters, a move that has drawn criticism from various groups.
NY SANE, a coalition of religious institutions, labor groups, and housing organizations, has called on the administration to reverse course on the lease extension. They urge the city to find alternative safe accommodations for families with children who are currently residing in the field. Christine Quinn, president and CEO of shelter provider Win, a member of the coalition, stated that the site “destabilizes families” by keeping children far from schools and putting migrants within flood zones. Quinn emphasized that the location is unsafe, dangerous, and isolated, making it inappropriate for anyone to live there.
Opposing Views on the Migrant Shelter at Floyd Bennett Field
From the conservative side, Fran Vella-Marrone, chair of the Kings County Conservative Party, expressed disappointment in the lease renewal. She stated, “This is not a place for people to be housed,” highlighting the concerns surrounding the living conditions at the field. Vella-Marrone’s sentiments align with those of many Republicans, including Rep. Nicole Malliotakis of New York, who represents Staten Island and parts of South Brooklyn. Malliotakis, in a letter to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, criticized the Biden-Harris administration for their involvement in the migrant camp at Floyd Bennett Field.
On the other hand, Liz Garcia, a spokesperson for Mayor Adams, defended the lease extension, citing the need for sheltering hundreds of migrant families with children every night. Garcia emphasized the limited options available to the city, with over 210 emergency sites currently operating and new arrivals continuing to arrive in New York City each week. She acknowledged the challenges but maintained that Floyd Bennett Field has been a necessary tool in providing shelter for migrants.
Concerns Over Housing Migrants in Floyd Bennett Field
Curtis Sliwa, founder and head of the Guardian Angels, has been vocal in his opposition to housing migrants at Floyd Bennett Field. Sliwa has led rallies against migrant shelters around the city and criticized the decision to place migrants in a flood zone and an isolated location. He questioned why so many migrants were congregated in one spot, labeling the situation as inhumane. Sliwa also raised concerns about the lack of transparency and communication with residents living near the field, stating that they have been “stonewalled” in their efforts to learn more about the situation.
The controversy surrounding the migrant shelter at Floyd Bennett Field highlights the complex challenges faced by both the city and the migrants seeking refuge. While some advocate for finding alternative accommodations that are safer and more suitable for families, others defend the necessity of utilizing the field as a shelter in the face of limited options. The debate continues as stakeholders on all sides grapple with the best course of action for addressing the needs of migrants while ensuring their safety and well-being.