Elected officials threaten lawsuit if Gov. Hochul allows Floyd Bennett Field to house asylum seekers
Elected officials say that the lack of transportation, resources, and the impact to public safety are major concerns for this area.
More Stories
A bipartisan push against housing migrants at Floyd Bennett Field could make its way to the state courts, as a group of elected officials are saying they plan to sign off on a lawsuit if Gov. Kathy Hochul allows migrants to stay there.
Attorney John Ciampoli specializes in constitutional law and says it’s illegal for residential dwellings to be placed on federal parklands. He was hired by state Assembly members Jaime Williams and Stacey Pheffer-Amato, as well as City Council Member Joann Ariola.
“It is almost underwater; it is at sea level,” said Ariola. “If we have a slight rise in tide, those areas where they want to put a migrant base camp are flooded.”
Elected officials say that the lack of transportation and resources, as well as the impact to public safety, are major concerns for this area.
MORE: Protests held at Floyd Bennett Field as state plans to use space to house asylum seekers
In August, Hochul and the federal government agreed to use Floyd Bennett Field to house up to 2,500 asylum seekers. Hochul says the state would cover the operating expenses, but there is no exact date for when the agreement will be signed.
MORE: Hochul: State looking for resolution to use federal facilities for asylum seekers
