The controversial migrant complex on Randall’s Island’s youth soccer fields was set to house 3,000 people, which was 50% more than expected before asylum seekers even moved in on Sunday. Authorities initially said the facility would house 2,000 migrants.
The site consists of five dormitory-style tents and began housing the first wave of migrants there in the afternoon.
“This isn’t the solution for the next two, three, four months — this is giving us a little breathing room for the next few days, really,” warned Christina Farrell, the city’s first deputy commissioner of Emergency Management, to reporters during a tour Sunday.
Each air-conditioned sleeping tent will house 600 green and black cots, while a dining tent will offer three meals a day. The dining center will stay open 24/7. A laundry service and lock boxes will be offered, too.
“There are a lot of misconceptions and misinformation about facilities such as these,” Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Manuel Castro told reporters. “But as you can see, these facilities are well-constructed.
The complex is being funded by state taxpayers, who will shell out $20 million a month to keep it active, Governor Kathy Hochul said earlier this month. Locals are also not happy about these facilities taking up recreational space on the soccer fields used by schools and private leagues.
