Senator Parker Expresses Concerns on Housing Contract at Floyd Bennett Field

Brooklyn, NY- NYS Senator Kevin Parker has expressed deep concerns regarding the housing contract entered into between the state and the federal government to house asylum seekers at Floyd Bennett Field. In a recent statement to Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams, Senator Parker stood in solidarity with those who oppose this decision, highlighting the issues surrounding the location's suitability for residential purposes.

"The decision to house asylum seekers at Floyd Bennett Field is alarming, given its status as a federally protected land and an important historic site," Senator Parker stated. "This designated area's landscape is ill-suited for residential purposes, as evident from the severe flooding experienced over the weekend. We must prioritize the well-being and safety of asylum seekers by finding a more suitable location that puts their dignity first." 

Two significant issues render the contract to house asylum seekers at Floyd Bennett Field impracticable. First, the inherent risks associated with the location's susceptibility to flooding pose a significant threat to the safety and security of the asylum seekers. Second, the area lacks adequate transportation and essential resources for everyday living, making it a transportation desert. Residents living near Floyd Bennett Field face a significant daily challenge to move around our city, and placing asylum seekers with fewer means in the same situation is unconscionable.

In addition to the humanitarian concerns, New York leaders must also consider the financial implications of this contract. The proposed deal will cost taxpayers an estimated $1.7 million each month. Senator Parker believes these funds could be better utilized to address other pressing needs within the community. These issues, coupled with the humanitarian concerns, require careful consideration.

Senator Parker calls on the local and federal authorities to reconsider the decision and seek alternative solutions, prioritizing asylum seekers' well-being, safety, and dignity. He urges a collaborative effort to identify a more suitable location that provides better living conditions and essential resources for these vulnerable individuals, ensuring their successful integration into the community.

                                                         About State Senator Kevin Parker

Senator Kevin S. Parker is intimately familiar with the needs of his ethnically diverse Brooklyn district comprising sections of Flatbush, East Flatbush, Kensington, Ditmas Park, Midwood, Flatlands, Canarsie, Georgetown, Old Mill Basin, Mill Basin, Marine Park, and Bergen Beach. A lifelong Brooklyn resident, Senator Parker is the Chairman of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee and a member of several other Senate committees including Finance, Rules, Banks, Internet and Technology, as well as Budget and Revenue.

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