South Queens, NY – New York State Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-South Queens) released the following statement upon the action by the Federal, State and City Governments to sign a lease to house migrants at Floyd Bennett Field:

“I am remarkably disappointed in the action of President Biden, Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams for their flagrant disregard for the valid concerns of the residents of South Brooklyn and the Rockaway Peninsula. It is without a doubt unacceptable, inhumane and cruel to construct a shelter and house migrants in a known flood zone like Floyd Bennett Field. This location lacks basic infrastructure like plumbing and electricity, along with adequate resources that will cause further disparities for the residents that already reside in these communities.

I have heard your objections and share your concerns. Several colleagues and I from both the City and State government are joining together to file an injunction in court to stop this plan from moving forward. Attorneys are ready, the paperwork is being filed and my commitment to stand against this plan remains intact. We are prepared to use the legal avenues available to oppose this plan and prevent its implementation. This is a national problem, and it is not going to be solved on the backs of the residents of this community.”