In response to “disturbing threats” from anti-immigrant groups and the fear of legal action from local politicians, a church in New York City is changing its intentions to assist in housing migrants during the ongoing crisis in the city.
Not long after declaring that it would provide about fifty-seven beds for asylum seekers, Saint John’s Episcopal Church on Staten Island announced that it will close.
The church had expressed its intention to occupy the ground floor of an elderly housing complex situated adjacent to its Bay Street location. Political representatives for the Staten Island region quickly opposed the plan, citing zoning issues and the necessity “to protect our seniors’ spaces.”
A Letter By The Politicians
On January 19, a letter was produced by Representative Nicole Malliotakis, Borough President Vito Fossella, District Attorney Michael McMahon, Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo, State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, and Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks pleading with Tuell and the church to change their ways.