Emergency center for migrants rising quickly in the Bronx

NEW YORK — Some of the thousands of migrants seeking asylum in New York City will soon have temporary shelter. 

An emergency center is quickly rising in the Bronx, and CBS2’s Elijah Westbrook got a closer look at the progress on Tuesday. 

The framework is taking shape in what will be a new temporary shelter for some migrants coming into the city. A great deal of progress has been made since Monday. 

Some residents in the area say the sight is symbolic of the times we’re living in. 

RELATED STORY: Temporary housing for migrants set up at Orchard Beach in the Bronx

You can’t miss it if you take a drive up to Orchard Beach this week. One of the first sights you’ll see when you enter the parking lot is steel beams being erected, one by one, in the parking lot. 

“I hope this is very temporary,” one person said.

The site will consist of tents to house 1,000 people, shower trailers, and ovens to prepare meals — literally the kitchen sink — as New York creates a mini-city to process migrants bused here from Texas and elsewhere.

“Bring people to a safe, clean environment as we process them for a few days as we figure out their needs and move them to the right location,” Mayor Eric Adams said.

“Personally, I think it’s a great short-term solution to a long-term problem. As the gentleman said, they’re going to be here for 60-120 days, which is basically the winter season, and it gives the government time to figure out another solution,” said longtime Bronx resident Michael Collins. 

Lifelong Bronx reside Robert Reid said he typically takes a walk every morning to get fresh air by the water and take in the sights and sounds of Pelham Bay.

“My thoughts are we need to house the migrants. My grandparents came here and made a good living, so other people should have that opportunity, too,” Reid said.

“It’s gonna be big. It’s gonna be very big,” Pelham Bay resident Lizzie Lombardo told CBS2’s Tony Aiello.

RELATED STORY: NYC opening 2 emergency centers for arriving migrants

In addition to checking out the construction, many residents came to share their concerns. Some said they believe the temporary site will become a semi-permanent fixture, despite assurances from the mayor.

“He didn’t ask our permission. He didn’t put it to a vote,” said Debra Kurys of Pelham Bay.

“I think it’s going to take a long time for them to do what they have to do,” German Bayron said, adding when asked if he believes it will be temporary, “No, gonna be long term.”

For migrants arriving at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, in a hectic part of Midtown, the scene at Orchard Beach will be quite a contrast. The only skyline view at the location is of New Rochelle a few miles in the distance.

People love this peaceful part of the Bronx. Local Assemblyman Michael Benedetto moved to reassure them that, “Anybody using the park will be able to use the park on days that they want to be here.”

The city says it is taking steps to safeguard the site from flooding. There will be COVID and other health screening and around-the-clock security.

The mayor said it’s not an ideal situation, but a necessary step to address a humanitarian crisis.

There’s a meeting happening at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday with Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez and the president of the City Island Civic Association. The two are expected to go over details regarding the setup and the impact it could have on residents who live nearby.