Residents of the Bronx voiced strong opposition to a new migrant shelter slated to open in their neighborhood. The 2,200-bed facility, designated for single men, will be housed in a former warehouse undergoing renovations costing between $250,000 and $340,000. Many of the migrants will be relocated from the Randalls Island tent shelter.
During a contentious community board meeting, residents expressed fears about the impact of a large influx of migrant men on community safety, particularly for women. One resident, who runs an art school near the proposed shelter, expressed feeling "terrified" for herself and her students. Another resident criticized the city for prioritizing housing for migrants while New Yorkers remain homeless. Community board member Audrey Dejesus echoed these concerns, stating that the Bronx feels like a "dumping ground."
The facility, located at 825 E. 141st St., is owned by the SoBro Local Development Corporation, a non-profit focused on community improvement. The city maintains that despite this new shelter, they are working towards closing other shelters and reducing the overall shelter bed count by 10,000 by June, citing the closure of the 3,500-bed Hall Street shelter in Brooklyn as an example. City representatives assured residents that many migrants have work permits and will not be loitering.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson criticized the city's lack of community consultation and expressed her preference for repurposing the site into a manufacturing hub. Councilwoman Diana Ayala, while acknowledging residents' concerns, emphasized the city's legal obligation to provide shelter for migrants. Deputy Mayor Camille Joseph Varlack admitted that communication with the community could have been handled better.
