The city's plan to move a tent camp intended to house asylum seekers from Orchard Beach to Randall's Island has been criticized by many city and state officials, including state Sen. Jessica Ramos.
"We don't believe that any human being should have to live through this winter here in New York, especially if they haven't done so before, in any tents," Ramos told Annika Pergament Tuesday afternoon on NY1.
On Randall’s Island they’ll be completely isolated and away from communities that can help them. The M35 is basically the only way in and out. This continues to be unacceptable. So much vacant commercial office space. Repurpose it for asylum seekers and our houseless families. https://t.co/MXDtuN2gQa
— Jessica Ramos (@jessicaramos) October 4, 2022
Mayor Eric Adams defended the plan during a news conference later Tuesday. However, Ramos suggested the city could use hotels or converted office buildings to house migrants.
"We are talking about practical, fiscally sound solutions that are longer term," Ramos said. "But in the immediate, there are hotels still available that are open that have the vacancies in order to accommodate these families so that they don't have to sleep in the cold, in a flooded area."