NYC officials considering Bronx floating jail barge to house influx of migrants: sources
In consideration of the growing migrant population in New York City, officials are contemplating the use of the Vernon C. Bain Center, a floating jail barge in the Bronx, as a “possible” temporary shelter, according to sources. City Hall officials reportedly visited the 800-bed facility on Friday for an assessment of its suitability for housing migrants. In the event the move is approved, around 700 prisoners would be sent to Rikers Island, according to a source. New York City has been searching for additional locations to house the more than 46,000 migrants currently staying in over 160 taxpayer-funded emergency shelters, including hotels.
FAQs:
What is the Vernon C. Bain Center?
The Vernon C. Bain Center is an 800-bed city jail located on a barge in the Bronx.
Why is it being considered as a temporary shelter for migrants?
City officials are searching for additional locations to house the growing migrant population in New York City.
How many migrants are currently being housed in emergency shelters, including hotels?
Approximately 46,000 migrants are currently being housed in over 160 taxpayer-funded emergency shelters, including hotels.
What other locations are being used to house migrants?
The iconic Roosevelt Hotel on Manhattan’s Upper East Side is currently serving as a “welcome center” for new arrivals. New York State also recently received approval to use an old US postal service warehouse as a “respite site” for up to 500 individuals.
Where would the prisoners from the Vernon C. Bain Center be sent if it is used to house migrants?
According to a source, around 700 prisoners would be sent to Rikers Island if the Vernon C. Bain Center is used to house migrants.
Sources reveal that NYC officials are contemplating a floating jail barge in the Bronx to accommodate the rising number of migrants.
City officials are considering a floating jail barge in the Bronx as a possible temporary shelter for the influx of migrants in New York City, according to The Post. The Vernon C. Bain Center, an 800-bed city jail, was toured by the Adams administration on Friday to determine its feasibility as a shelter. If approved, around 700 prisoners would need to be relocated to Rikers Island. The search for additional locations to shelter the growing migrant population has been ongoing, with almost 46,000 migrants currently housed in over 160 taxpayer-funded emergency shelters, including hotels. The Roosevelt Hotel on Manhattan’s Upper East Side is currently serving as a “welcome center” for new arrivals. Over 72,000 migrants have arrived in the five boroughs since last spring. New York State was recently granted approval to use an old US postal service warehouse as a “respite site” for up to 500 individuals.