New York City is facing a shortage of hotel rooms to convert into shelters for migrants, prompting city officials to look towards the Hudson Valley for solutions. The Armani Inn in Orangeburg is poised to become the newest migrant shelter, as the city has struck a deal with the inn’s owners to house hundreds of migrants. However, this plan has been met with opposition from some Rockland County officials and local residents, who feel that they have not been adequately informed or consulted about the decision. The plan involves transporting up to 300 asylum seekers by bus to two hotels, with arrivals potentially beginning as early as this weekend.
The Orangeburg hotel is not the only location being utilized; migrants will also be taken to a hotel in Orange Lake, located in Orange County. Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny (Orangeburg is part of Orangetown) shared that she was contacted by Mayor Eric Adams on Friday morning to notify her of the development. She recalled asking the mayor whether he was seeking permission or simply providing information as a courtesy – to which he confirmed the latter. Kenny expressed her disappointment, noting that there are many unanswered questions surrounding the arrangement.
Rockland County Executive Ed Day also expressed surprise and displeasure upon learning the news, describing the plan as ‘reprehensible.’ He asserted that neither he nor any member of his staff had been informed of the decision, and claimed that the county’s legal team is now seeking a temporary injunction to halt the plan. As a Republican, Day characterized the plan as dishonest, and scolded those involved for their actions.
Day took his criticism a step further, accusing Mayor Adams of hypocrisy. According to Day, Adams frequently laments that he and other African American mayors have been unfairly targeted by Republicans, while simultaneously implementing policies that affect Republican towns. Day called attention to the fact that both Orange and Rockland counties have Republican majorities, suggesting that Adams’ actions were politically motivated.
Joining Day in criticizing the mayor, Republican Rep. Mike Lawler lambasted the plan to bus migrants to Rockland County. He pointed out that Rockland County is not a sanctuary county, unlike New York City and its various boroughs. Consequently, Lawler argued that the county should not be forced to assume the costs that stem from the Biden administration’s inadequate border security and immigration policy.
Despite the objections, New York City has committed to covering the expenses associated with providing shelter, food, and additional services to migrants for up to four months. The possibility remains that the city may enter into leases with other hotel establishments as well.
Orangetown Supervisor Kenny, also a Republican, noted that city officials informed her that the migrants being brought to the hotel in her town are all single men. However, it remains uncertain when they will arrive and exactly how many will be staying at the hotel.
Kenny also raised concerns about the background of the migrants, questioning whether any background checks had been conducted or whether any of the individuals had criminal records. She stated that when she sought answers to these questions, she was told that officials did not have the information.
Photos captured on Friday afternoon revealed a stack of mattresses positioned outside the inn. Hotel employees declined to comment, citing their busy schedules as they prepared to accommodate the incoming migrants.
Local residents, such as Orangeburg’s Scott Stout, have voiced concerns about the already high number of undocumented individuals in the community. According to Stout, there are numerous day laborers in the area who are actively seeking employment.
In response to the criticism, Mayor Adams, a Democrat, issued a statement defending the plan. He described the initiative as a voluntary program that aims to provide asylum seekers with temporary housing, access to essential services, and connections to local communities as they work towards establishing stable lives in New York state.
Nevertheless, local officials continue to express their desire for more information and a clearer understanding of the plan. They argue that providing their constituents with accurate information can help alleviate any concerns and promote a more positive outcome for all parties involved.
In summary, New York City’s decision to convert hotels in the Hudson Valley into shelters for migrants has been met with opposition from local officials and residents, particularly in Rockland County. Critics, predominantly Republicans, claim that they were not adequately informed or consulted, and have raised questions about the risks and costs associated with the plan.
While Mayor Adams maintains that the program is a positive step for asylum seekers seeking to build stable lives in New York, local officials continue to ask for more information and transparency. The debate surrounding this plan serves as a microcosm of the broader national conversation on immigration policy and border security.
As the plan to transport migrants to hotels in the Hudson Valley moves forward, local communities find themselves grappling with the complexities of the situation. Time will tell how this decision will shape local politics, the lives of asylum seekers, and the communities that open their doors to them.
