Staten Island elected officials say former Villa site in ‘poor state’ for shelter, demand proper permitting

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — As New York City’s migrant crisis reaches new levels, confirmed and rumored shelters on Staten Island have drawn the backlash of bipartisan local officials.

A City Hall spokesperson confirmed Monday evening that part of the former St. John Villa Academy would be used to house up to 300 single adults in the coming days, and State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-North Shore/South Brooklyn), issued a statement decrying the lack of community notice.

"Housing migrants here will likely be just another set back in giving the community the school they deserve. As a graduate of [Villa], I refuse to let that happen" said state Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, a Democrat who represents the North Shore of Staten Island and South Brooklyn. "It is extremely concerning, once again, that local representatives and community members, who know their districts best, were blindsided and not part of the decision process."

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