The decision to convert a community center in Massachusetts into a temporary housing shelter for migrants has sparked backlash from residents and officials in Boston. The state-owned Melnea Cass Recreation Center in Roxbury, a neighborhood in Boston, will be closed and transformed to accommodate migrants, leading to disappointment among locals who believe that resources should be directed towards the community’s needs. Governor Maura Healey’s office defended the decision, citing the overwhelming influx of migrants and the lack of available housing facilities in the state.
The proposal to use the community center as a shelter has been met with criticism from various individuals and organizations. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu expressed her concern over the move, stating that it was “very painful” for the community, which has historically faced challenges such as disinvestment and redlining. She emphasized the need for alternative solutions and the preservation of buildings dedicated to community programming.
The Melnea Cass Recreation Center has been closed since Sunday to prepare for the arrival of migrants, with supplies being delivered to convert it into a shelter. The state plans to house migrants at the facility until May, after which it will be reopened to the public and resume its regular functions. Lt. Gen. Scott Rice, the Emergency Assistance Director, expressed gratitude for the cooperation received from the city and highlighted the long-term benefits the center would provide to the community.
The decision to use the community center as a temporary shelter comes as Massachusetts aims to address the urgent housing needs of up to 100 families or 400 individuals awaiting more permanent housing solutions. The majority of the migrants currently being housed at Logan Airport are from Haiti. The state has already established overflow sites in Quincy and Cambridge to accommodate the growing number of migrants.
Local officials, including City Council member Tania Fernandes Anderson, have voiced concerns about the displacement of residents due to the conversion of the community center. Former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh acknowledged the complexity of the situation and described the decision as difficult.
The governor’s office has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the decision. However, it is important to note that the move has sparked a heated debate about resource allocation and the prioritization of community needs in the face of a migrant crisis.
