Community leader fights against migrant shelter at historic park

During a recent government meeting, Elizabeth Morrissey, a civic leader from Marine Park and a retired NYPD lieutenant, voiced her concerns regarding the housing of migrants at Floyd Bennett Field, a national park in South Brooklyn. Morrissey highlighted the historical significance of the site and its role in the community, emphasizing that it lacks the necessary infrastructure to accommodate a large number of people.

Morrissey expressed frustration over the city's decision to lease the park for migrant housing, stating that local residents were not adequately consulted about the move. She pointed out that the park is situated on a flood plain and does not have the facilities required for long-term sheltering. Despite attempts to raise these issues, she claimed that community voices were ignored in favor of prioritizing migrant sheltering.

A key point of contention raised by Morrissey was the perceived imbalance between the rights of migrants and those of local taxpayers. She questioned where the rights of migrants end and the rights of residents begin, noting that access to the migrant shelter is restricted even for local taxpayers and law enforcement. This situation has sparked significant concern among community members about their ability to engage with the shelter and the implications for local resources.

The meeting underscored the ongoing tensions between local communities and city policies regarding migrant housing, highlighting the need for better communication and infrastructure planning in such sensitive matters.