Staten Island pols ask NYC to establish a curfew at St. John Villa migrant shelter

By Tracey Porpora

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- After week-long protests and a lawsuit attempt to shut down the former St. John Villa migrant shelter, several Staten Island elected officials have requested the city institute a curfew at the Arrochar site, which opened Friday.

On Friday, a judge temporarily blocked the housing of migrants at the former St. John Villa Academy, but it was overturned a few hours later after an appeal by the city. The Appellate Court removed a vacate order, which allowed 25 migrants -- females and adult families -- already moved into the shelter to stay, according to City Hall.

“We continue to oppose the shelter opening at Villa and will continue to use every avenue available to us to stop it. We do feel that a curfew at OEM’s shelters is important even if Villa is taken off the table,” said Carr.

In a letter to OEM, Carr requested a curfew be established. The letter is also signed by other elected officials who represent the area: State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn), Assemblyman Mike Tannousis (R-East Shore), Borough President Vito Fossella and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn).

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