NEW YORK -UNS: The Council Member Linda Lee, Senators Toby Ann Stavisky, John Liu, and Leroy Comrie, Assembly Members Ed Braunstein, David Weprin, and Clyde Vanel, and Council Member Vickie Paladino Statement in Response to the Mayor’s Intention to Create Tent Shelter at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center.
“Over the last year, New York City has been at the epicenter of our nation’s asylum seeker crisis. As our city welcomes individuals seeking refuge, this process must be carried out with meticulous planning and careful communication to ensure the safety of all involved.
The Mayor’s intention to create a large-scale tent shelter for migrants at Creedmoor comes on the heels of the opening of 2 additional shelters in the Bellerose area. Residents were not given prior knowledge about either of these additions to the community.
The practicality of these shelters and safety for residents and the individuals housed within these facilities must be ensured. Eastern Queens is a transit desert, and those seeking asylum must have access to transportation that allows them to seek and receive the vital supportive services our city can provide.
The City cannot do this alone, and Federal resources are necessary to come to a sustainable, long-term solution and solve this ongoing crisis. Nevertheless, communication from the Administration and the State must include the involvement of local elected officials and community leaders to ensure the viability of these shelters, and the welfare of the surrounding communities and migrants seeking refuge.
There is much work ahead to improve access to housing, quell the record homelessness NYC is facing, and address the asylum seeker crisis. We look forward to ensuring transparency as this development unfolds, and we will share additional information as it becomes available.”
