City officials close migrant shelter in Williamsbridge
Officials said they shut the shelter last week, as the city sees a decline in asylum seekers looking for care.
A migrant shelter in Williamsbridge closed its doors.
Officials said they shut the shelter last week, as the city sees a decline in asylum seekers looking for care.
Residents had mixed reactions.
“[I’m happy because] too many people, especially at night,” said one woman who asked not to be identified. “It scared the hell out of me.”
“[The migrant shelter] wasn’t a problem for me because they had security there,” said Bermin Benjamin, of Williamsbridge.
The shelter opened in July 2023 on the site of the old El Rancho Motel on White Plains Road.
“The motel was a different thing,” said Benjamin. “People used to go there and do all - I don’t want to say.”
According to police, the location has a history, including robbery in 2022 and sexual assault in 2019.
News 12 was told motel management was unavailable for comment on Monday, but people working on site said they’re undergoing renovations and plan to reopen as a hotel next year.
Residents said they have concerns.
“If it’s going to be like before, I don’t think it’s a good idea,” said Benjamin.
“We’re not too happy about that because too many people are hanging out,” said the unidentified woman. “All kinds of people are coming in here. It scares you. Now it makes me want to move from here.”
News 12 reached out to City Council Member Kevin Riley, who represents the district but has not received a response for comment.
