Pastor confirms intentions to house migrants in basement of Staten Island senior residence

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A Rosebank pastor wants to use part of the first floor of a senior residence under his parish’s control to house migrants, he confirmed Friday.

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/South Brooklyn), Borough President Vito Fossella, District Attorney Michael McMahon, State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-North Shore/South Brooklyn), Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo (R-Mid-Island), and Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks (D-North Shore) sent a letter to Tuell and Adams outlining their opposition to the plan.

The elected officials’ letter lays out several legal reasons why they say part of the Canterbury House building cannot be used to house migrants, including a housing agreement with the state that helps secure tax breaks for the location.

“The proposed plan to house over 50 migrants between the ages of twenty-two and twenty-five is a slap in the face to your senior residents and the community which is entitled to a shared elderly daycare center that is open to all residents,” the elected officials wrote in their letter. “We will use all legal measures at our disposal to ensure that you uphold the contractual agreement and moral obligation made to these seniors and to our community.”

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