Residents of Fort Point, one of Boston’s most affluent districts, are voicing their grievances over the city’s decision to transform an office space into a shelter for illegal immigrants. At a community meeting this week, the residents expressed their disbelief and concern over the state officials’ choices regarding safety and security. The space, owned by the Unitarian Universalist Association and located at 24 Farnsworth Street, will house 80 immigrants as an overflow shelter under the Baptism of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay, the non-profit chosen for the task.
“I think there’s a lot of angry residents who feel the same way I do that this was being forced on us,” said local resident Brian Curley.
Gov. Maura Healey conveyed to the Boston Herald the urgency of having the shelter operational “as soon as possible” without releasing a definitive date for the immigrants’ arrival. Healey said her government endorses the project as a step towards “safe shelter for people.” She reinforced that dialogue with the community and the city continues, notwithstanding residents’ claims about a lack of answers from Tuesday’s meeting.
Residents asked about safety measures and accused state officials of a rushed process that left community members without answers. Gen. Scott Rice, charged with managing security at the migrant shelters, affirmed the state’s commitment to maintain safety. Two weeks ago, ICE arrested a 34-year-old illegal immigrant from Guatemala on child sex crime charges in Gloucester, MA, which has further exacerbated residents’ concerns about immigrant-related safety issues.
