The governor plans to open an overflow site Wednesday for migrant homeless families at Roxbury’s Melnea A. Cass Recreational Complex, especially those sleeping overnight at Logan International Airport. The plan has drawn pushback from a community taken aback by how quickly it was carried out.

Nov. 17, 2023

The head of Massport says roughly 20 to 25 migrants are arriving daily at Logan International Airport, with some seen camping out temporarily in baggage claim and elsewhere. 

Jan. 23, 2024

Video and photos begin circulating in the media showing “dozens” with some outlets reporting up to 100 migrants sleeping on the floor overnight in the Terminal E location of Logan International Airport.

Jan. 26, 2024

The news breaks that Gov. Maura Healey is considering Roxbury’s Melnea A. Cass Recreational Complex as a temporary overflow site for migrant and homeless families, especially those who have been sleeping overnight at Logan International Airport. Logan operator Massport says migrants are there on a “daily basis.”

The governor lays out her plan and is met with community pushback at a Roxbury listening session held later that night.

Jan. 29, 2024

Gov. Maura Healey sends a letter to the elected officials who hosted the Jan. 26 listening session, saying that she intends to move forward with the plan to convert the Melnea A. Cass Recreational Complex into a temporary overflow shelter, with a promise to shut it down by May 31, to allow for the busy summer pool season.

Jan. 31, 2024

The Melnea A. Cass Recreational Complex will begin serving as a temporary overflow site for migrant and homeless families, especially those who have been sleeping at Logan Airport. The governor’s plan outlines a 24/7 staffing schedule with on-site services that include three meals a day, “around-the-clock” security, school enrollment for children and case management aimed at stable housing.

May 31, 2024

The governor states the overflow shelter for migrant and homeless families will close at Melnea A. Cass Recreational Complex to allow for site renovations ahead of the pool reopening on June 20.

June 2024

The Melnea A. Cass Recreational Complex is slated to return to its regular use.