On a chilly afternoon on Jan. 15, 2025, the Coalition for Better Communities gathered with elected officials and community leaders to announce the closure of the controversial migrant shelter at Floyd Bennett Field. The event drew supporters from Brooklyn and Queens, as advocates highlighted the collaborative effort behind the closure while criticizing Mayor Eric Adams’ claims of credit.
“This closure is the result of two years of tireless community organizing,” said Ronbo Canterino, chair of the Coalition for Better Communities. “It wasn’t the mayor. It wasn’t the City Council. It was this community.”
Long battle against ‘Tent City’
The migrant shelter at Floyd Bennett Field, established in 2023 as part of an emergency response to an unprecedented influx of asylum seekers arriving in New York City, faced resistance from its inception. It was one of several temporary housing sites opened to address the crisis, but opponents cited safety concerns, environmental impacts, and the fairness of housing migrants in a federal national park.
At the height of the shelter’s use, thousands of migrants were housed in large tents, sparking fierce debate over the city’s capacity to manage the humanitarian crisis
Assembly Member Jaime Williams, a prominent voice in the opposition, reflected on the community’s persistence during the Jan. 15 presser.
“Today is monumental,” Williams said. “The tents behind us are a stark reminder of the many months we stood together, facing freezing temperatures and floods, while being ignored by those in power. This is not a victory for any single person; this is a victory for our entire community.”
Williams also called for accountability from the National Park Service. “They promised upgrades to this park and fairness to our residents. We need answers, and we will ensure they deliver on those promises,” she said.
Assembly Member Michael Novakhov echoed Williams’ sentiments, expressing gratitude for grassroots efforts and emphasizing the need for vigilance.
“From the very beginning, we told the city this was not the right place to shelter migrants. The conditions here are unsafe, and the impact on our community was unacceptable,” Novakhov said, vowing to continue to oppose migrant shelters in unsuitable conditions. “This closure shows the power of organized, determined citizens who refused to back down.”
‘This closure was inevitable’
While the Coalition celebrated, Mayor Adams’ recent visit to Floyd Bennett Field to claim credit drew sharp criticism. Hizzoner had previously stated, “Thanks to our smart management strategies, we’ve turned the corner,” framing the closure as part of his administration’s efforts.
Canterino dismissed that narrative.
“The mayor didn’t shut this down because he wanted to. This closure was inevitable because of the election results and the federal government’s stance under President Trump,” he said. “Stop lying and tell the truth.”
Williams also criticized Adams’ involvement.
“This mayor has lost all credibility to run this city,” she said. “He wasn’t here during the floods or the freezing temperatures. Rushing to Floyd Bennett Field now, as if he’s doing us a favor, is shameless.”
The Coalition also highlighted the bipartisan nature of its advocacy, which brought together Democrats, Republicans, and independents in a shared effort to address concerns around the shelter.
“This wasn’t about political affiliation,” community activist Dimple Willabus said. “It was about standing up for safety and fairness.”
The group also thanked local leaders, including Elizabeth Morrisey of the Marine Park Community Association, and acknowledged national figures like Curtis Sliwa, who organized rallies and raised awareness.
Calls for accountability
Looking ahead, Williams and Novakhov reiterated their demands for transparency from the National Park Service, calling for proper maintenance and care for Floyd Bennett Field, as well as long-promised upgrades to the historic site.
Once New York City’s first municipal airport, Floyd Bennett Field opened in 1931 and quickly became a hub for aviation pioneers and record-setting flights before transitioning to military use during World War II. Now part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, the airfield is a cherished community resource, offering recreational spaces, camping and educational programs.
“The promised upgrades to this park must happen,” Williams said. “We will not allow this space to remain neglected.”
Lina Chan, head of Local Community Patrol, celebrated the site’s return to a recreational space for southern Brooklyn.
“This is a victory,” she said, “but it’s also a reminder of the power of community.”