A number of local community leaders and members of the New York State Conference of Mayors including Hudson Mayor Kamal Johnson have been invited by New York City Mayor Eric Adams to strategize together the handling of the migrant surge anticipated to follow expiration of Title 42.
Johnson, who is the leader of a sanctuary city, said he received an invitation to the Zoom meeting set for 11 a.m. Thursday.
“I’m meeting with Mayor Adams and other mayors across the state to discuss,” Johnson said.
The issue has prompted Gov. Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency in New York State.
“The arrival of increased numbers of migrants seeking shelter in the city and state of New York is expected to exacerbate an already large-scale humanitarian crisis and create a disaster emergency to which local governments are unable to adequately respond, creating a threat to health and safety, which could result in the loss of life or property,” according to the order.
The governor’s order will increase the number of National Guard providing logistical support at shelter sites and will allow the state to purchase food, equipment, resources, technology and materials without following standard notice and protocols.
Hochul’s order also prevents the establishment of a landlord-tenant relationship between providers of temporary housing and individuals seeking asylum.
All of Columbia County is a sanctuary county. As such, it has a policy of limited cooperation with federal enforcement of immigration law.
In contrast, Greene County has no such policy.
“What do we do if we have a Greyhound with 44 people show up?” said Greene County Administrator Shaun Groden at a Legislature meeting Monday. “We’re not a sanctuary county,” added Legislator Michael Bulich, R-Catskill.
Greene and Columbia county municipal leaders’ opinions on the matter are varied.
Catskill Town Supervisor Dale Finch said the governor’s response is necessary.
“I feel the governor’s response is appropriate, although somewhat reactive,” Finch said. “Congress needs to fix the immigration problem. There needs to be a better legal immigration system. I do not foresee a major impact in our immediate area. The larger cities are most likely to see a larger influx of immigrants.”
Athens Town Supervisor Michael Pirrone said he recognizes the need for the governor’s declaration and indicated his municipality will cope with the crisis to the best of its ability.
“A state of emergency is justified under the inevitable circumstances that may arise to prepare and protect the people of New York,” Pirrone said. “I do believe that when Title 42 expires, there will be an unexpected surge of individuals seeking shelter and services in the state. It is regrettable that this issue is not being addressed in a more anticipatory manner at the federal level. But these humble people will be sent wherever the federal government leads them.”
Athens has little in terms of commercial motel facilities to house any explosion of population, Pirrone added.
“The only emergency gathering places are relatively small and would require security and social services personnel to handle the population needs,” he said. “Public transportation can be provided via the Greene County Bus Service. Some food services may be provided by our local volunteer food pantry organizations. Health conditions and care are the most important to ensure, protect and prevent any communicable illness from spreading. It is disappointing that plans, services and facilities are not already established to handle this situation.”
Cairo Town Supervisor Jason Watts said migrants coming to Cairo would have a difficult time finding their needs met.
“There’s no shelter,” Watts said. “There’s nothing available, even for somebody available that’s already here.”
South of Greene and Columbia, Rockland and Orange counties have passed their own emergency orders to prevent migrants from seeking shelter in their counties.
Rockland County Executive Edward Day declared a state of emergency in Rockland County on May 5.
“In response to the city of New York planning and housing about 340 adult males in Armoni Inn and suites in Orangeburg for four months followed by attempted integration into the county, the county informed New York City Mayor Eric Adams yesterday that Rockland would not allow this plan to stand and has enacted this State of Emergency in direct response,” according to Day’s order.
Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus declared a state of emergency Monday, prohibiting Orange County hotels, motels and short-term rental facilities from housing migrants or asylum seekers. The order also said Neuhaus anticipates civil disobedience on the issue, both for and against the housing of migrants.
“I find reasonable apprehension of immediate danger thereof that public safety is imperiled thereby, for not only the migrant and asylum seekers, but also to the other affected residents of Orange County,” Neuhaus said.