Trucks arrive in the Bronx to begin construction of huge tent city for 1,000 illegal immigrants

Construction workers in the Bronx began construction Monday on the first of two tent towns designed to house the 13,000 migrants brought to the city from Texas since August.

Eric Adams, the mayor of New York City, announced the erection of the tents last week to house the influx of migrants.

One location would be Orchard Beach in the Bronx, he said, and the second had not yet been determined.

But on Monday, while construction was underway, the Bronx president said she was concerned about the new development — both the impact it would have on her community and the safety of everyone involved.

Workers wearing safety helmets were seen carrying metal poles to be delivered to trucks – while others were drilling into the ground and preparing for the construction of the tents.

Vanessa Gibson warned that Orchard Beach often floods, pointing out that the site was isolated, with no access to public transportation.

Workers in the Bronx begin work Monday on the first of two tent camps to house migrants

It is unclear how many migrants will house the tents being built on Monday

Workers are seen on Orchard Beach preparing the site of the migrant camp on Monday

Rental companies see equipment to Orchard Beach site on Monday

Workers are pictured in the photo measuring the site on Monday – one of two to be built in NYC

An example of the kind of site Eric Adams plans to open to accommodate the thousands of migrants who arrive every day. One is headed to the Bronx and a second location has yet to be confirmed. Adams claimed it was a moral victory. The tents contain rows of beds with thin-looking sheets in a flysheet, just as winter approaches

An aerial view of an example site. Claiming it as a moral victory, Adams said the issue should be treated as a humanitarian crisis

Migrants are seen on Monday arriving in New York City from Texas after boarding buses deployed by Governor Greg Abbott

The Federal Emergency Management Agency considers the entire Orchard Beach parking lot a “special flood hazard area.”

The city also lists the parking lot as a “Zone 1” hurricane evacuation area, meaning it is particularly vulnerable to dangerous flooding during storms.

Bronx president Vanessa Gibson said she was concerned about the tent camp in her district

“While this is not the ideal location and we have raised reasonable concerns, my team and I are working with the Adams Administration to ensure that every location designated for our municipality has enveloping services,” she said in a statement. .

“These services must be provided in a dignified, humane, qualitative and safe space that does not cause further harm or burden to clients and families.

“Under these emergencies, we will work with the administration in a balanced and strategic manner to ensure the Bronx is not overburdened.”

Adams’s team said they will provide a shuttle bus for migrants to get to public transportation. They have not responded to concerns about flooding.

A spokeswoman for the mayor said: The New York Daily News she declined to comment directly on Gibson’s statement, but said 50 sites in all five boroughs were being evaluated before the administration approved the Orchard Beach site.

Adams hailed the plan last week as a victory and proof that he understands his “moral duty” to the thousands of mostly Venezuelan migrants currently arriving in New York City on a weekly basis.

His press release did not provide details on when the sites will open or, crucially, how many beds they will have.

The Orchard Beach site is expected to open within a few weeks.

Meanwhile, thousands of migrants continue to be sent every week from Texas and Florida, where Republican leaders say it’s time Democrats like Adams understood the true extent of the crisis.

Migrants are pictured arriving in New York City on Monday

Many of the migrants currently arriving in the United States have traveled from Venezuela

One of Adams’ suggested locations is near Orchard Beach, on the outskirts of town

In addition to the two migrant sites, Adams awarded a $34 million contract to Bronx Family Network to set up beds for both migrants and homeless people in the same area.

Adams, who claims the new shelters will help solve the problem in New York, said in a press release on Thursday: “More than 100 years ago, Ellis Island opened its doors to welcome those who ‘crave to breathe free.’

“Now more than ever, it is clear that we are dealing with a human-made humanitarian crisis.

Adams says it’s unfair for Texas and Florida leaders to send the migrants to him – despite NYC tops all of their refugee lists

“While other leaders have abdicated their moral duty to support prospective asylum seekers, New York City is refusing to do so,” he said.

Photos from a sample site show cribs in rows in the flysheet.

Adams said they would stay there for up to 96 hours, then be moved to the desired “settlement” sites.

“This is not an everyday homelessness crisis, but a humanitarian crisis that requires a different approach,” he said.

Therefore, the humanitarian relief and reception centers will be the first point of contact for asylum seekers who will provide them with a range of services and support as families determine their next steps.

“This emergency response represents what we know must be done during this humanitarian crisis as we continue to seek help from our federal and state partners to continue this work.

“Like the generations that came to our city before, New York will give the thousands who now come to our city the foundation to build a better life,” Adams said.