City confirms 2,200-bed South Bronx shelter will open in February despite opposition during heated meeting - Bronx Times

South Bronx residents and officials expressed significant opposition at a community meeting regarding the city's plan for a 2,200-bed migrant shelter in a vacant warehouse. Attendees criticized the decision as a further example of the area being treated as a 'dumping ground' for shelters. Despite the overwhelming opposition, Deputy Mayor Camille Joseph Varlack stated the decision was final and the shelter would open in February. Officials called for better communication and community involvement, yet frustrations were high due to the lack of a prior discussion about the site's use.

The planned shelter 'wasn't properly presented to the community,' according to committee chair Daniel Barber, reflecting local frustrations with the city’s decision-making process.

Deputy Mayor Camille Joseph Varlack stated that communication regarding the shelter’s establishment 'could've been better,' highlighting community discontent over the lack of transparency.

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