Seaport migrant shelter seeks extension through June: What about Roxbury rec center?
The operators of a migrant shelter in Boston’s Seaport District are seeking an “extension through June,” prompting others to worry if the same scenario will unfold in their neighborhood.
The shelter at 24 Farnsworth Street, which houses 20-25 migrant and homeless families, could stay open into the summer as children stay in school and plans are made for next steps, according to a neighborhood announcement shared with the Herald Friday night.
“In an effort to minimize disruptions for families, the UUA and United Way intend to request an extension through June,” the statement reads.
The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) owns the building and offered up the space rent-free, as the Herald has previously reported.
“This additional time will allow families with children attending Boston Public Schools to remain in their current school until the last day of classes on June 20. It will also facilitate adjustments to programming at the YMCA as they transition to their summer schedule,” the Fort Point Neighborhood Association update added.
The Herald has learned allowing kids to remain in school is the driving force behind the extension being mostly accepted by Fort Point neighbors. But other shelters, especially The Cass rec center in Roxbury, also have summer deadlines looming.
“I’m not confident in anything the state or city does,” said Louis Elisa, a former regional director with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and a neighborhood leader. “But we have to take for granted they won’t anger a lot of people.”
He was referring to a meeting recently held with city and state officials outlining the next steps for the Melnea A. Cass Recreational Complex and the migrants’ relocation so the pool can open for the summer.
“They made that commitment the pool will open,” Elisa added, still saying troubles over White Stadium development and improvements to Madison Park High have him frustrated.
The Roxbury rec center, owned by the state, was taken by Gov. Maura Healey to house migrants who were seen sleeping on the floor at Logan Airport. The governor promised to give the gym and pool back in time for summer activities.