An office building in Boston’s upscale waterfront district has been designated as a new migrant shelter, more than a week after Democratic Gov. Maura Healey closed the city’s community recreation centers to protect migrants. ing.
The 92,000-square-foot office building is located at 24 Farnsworth Street in Fort Point’s bustling Seaport district and is owned by the Unitarian Universalist Association, according to the Boston Globe. This association is a liberal religious movement.
The Boston Globe reported that city officials contacted the local Fort Point Neighborhood Association on Wednesday to say the site was being considered as a shelter, but a final decision had not yet been made.
An office building at 24 Farnsworth Street in Boston has been designated as a new migrant shelter. (Google Maps)
Residents outraged after Boston governor closes community rec center for migrants: ‘They don’t care about us’
Authorities have been scrambling to deal with the recent influx of illegal immigrants into the city. Last week, the Melnea Cass Recreation Center in Roxbury was controversially closed to the public and converted into a makeshift immigration center.
Although the project provided a skating rink and safe space for local youth to bond with their parents, concerns were raised that the youth would end up getting into trouble. The state plans to stop holding immigrants at the facility in May and reopen it to the public by June.
The shelter was established as the migrant crisis continues to overwhelm other state facilities, including Logan Airport.
But the Roxbury facility, which can accommodate up to 100 families of four, is currently housing about 95 families and is nearing capacity. The Boston Globe reports that authorities are desperately searching for another space to house the migrants.
Melnea Kas Recreation Center has been converted into a migration shelter. (Melnea Cass Recreation Center/Facebook)
The Unitarian Church said it was considering the “short-term” use of the building as an immigrant shelter, although no final decisions have been made.
Suzanne Morse, the church’s communications director, told the Boston Globe on Thursday that “negotiated short-term uses of the building are in the best interest of the public and consistent with our values and principles as a faith tradition.” It’s progressing,” he said.
Neighborhood groups are calling for a public meeting with officials so residents can learn more about the proposal.
Residents are asking if the building has adequate facilities to meet their needs, including showers.
Massachusetts closes community center for shelter migrants, sparking backlash
“There are more questions than answers at this point, but everyone is generally willing to help in times of crisis,” Thomas Ready, president of the Fort Point Neighborhood Association, told the publication.
According to Boston 25, a spokesperson for the City of Boston said that residents will have the opportunity to learn more about the proposed evacuation site and provide feedback, “while prioritizing minimal disruption to local residents.” He said he would work with states and other partners to ensure that. news.
But not everyone is happy with the plan.
Melnea Cass Recreation Center in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood was temporarily closed to protect immigrants. (Fox News)
John Milligan, executive director of the Massachusetts Republican Party, criticized the proposal.
“Immigrants are coming into Massachusetts at a rapid rate,” Milligan told the Boston Globe. “Despite this, the governor has made no effort to curb the influx.”
“Currently, consideration is being given to using some of the Fort Point buildings despite lacking basic amenities such as showers, which will only perpetuate the problem while depleting local resources. ”
Boston’s Logan Airport is accepting immigrants. (WBZ)
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Boston City Councilman Ed Flynn (D) also called the situation unstable.
“At some point, we’re not going to be able to support everyone who wants to come here,” Flynn said on NBC Boston.
“We cannot continue in the current situation and we need to make serious and dramatic decisions in the coming months.”
FOX News’ Taylor Penny contributed to this report.
