Mott Haven migrant shelter opens amid community concerns
Residents say they were blindsided by the city's decision.
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A new 2,200-bed migrant shelter on Bruckner Boulevard is drawing mixed reactions, as men continue moving in, despite community concerns.
Jose, a migrant from Venezuela says he understands the community concern, but is grateful to be in the United States.
RELATED: Men begin moving into new migrant shelter in Mott Haven
"I think the community has a reason to be concerned. They're from the Bronx and they've lived here all their lives. So if people come here and do bad things, they have a right to speak up," he said.
Residents say they were blindsided by the city's decision.
Advocacy groups and faith leaders are now stepping in to patrol the area in effort to ease tensions.
The shelter's opening comes as the city plans to close 46 migrant sites by June.
