Up to 3,000 adults will live in the newly constructed shelter that spans several soccer fields.
This comes asand city officials have consistently asked for state and federal help to accept and house the more than 100,000 asylum seekers that have come to New York since last spring.
"While New York City may be a city of immigrants, we are not a city of unlimited resources. So we again call on federal and state government to provide appropriate support that New York City needs," said Manuel Castro, commissioner of the Office of Immigrant Affairs.The Point: NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams on asylum seekers, housing crisis, closing Rikers and 1st female majority
Randall's Island housed a tent city last year that was shut down in the fall because of complaints of a lack of transportation. "We want to make sure people can make it into any part of New York City to find jobs, to reunite with friends and family members. Right here is the East Harlem Bridge. We also have the M35 bus and today we are able to confirm that we will have a shuttle going to Astoria as well," Long said.The city said the space will be used as a longer-term shelter and is expected to reach capacity quickly.
"Really nothing is off the table now as we continue to see so many asylum seekers, both families and adults, that need assistance," Farrell said.City officials said they are currently considering other options, including Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, to help respond to this crisis.