The FDNY is expected order more than half a dozen migrant centers across the Big Apple be vacated over increased fears the sites could become fiery death traps, The Post has learned.
Officials from both the Office of Emergency Management and FDNY believe the vacate orders are necessary at seven migrant shelters and respite centers where various fire and health hazards have been discovered, according to sources with knowledge of the matter.
Fire officials will return to the locations starting Sunday to issue their final inspections, the sources said.
The controversial former Staten Island Catholic school, St. John’s Villa Academy, is first up on the fire department’s list, the sources said.
News of the expected order to vacate comes a week after The Post revealed that the FDNY had hired ex-cops and former firefighters to work as “fire wardens” as officials compiled a list of dangerous migrant sites.
After the former school in the Arrochar section of Staten Island is inspected, fire officials are slated to visit the Tompkinsville shelter at the former Richard H. Hungerford School on Monday.
The FDNY is expected to issue orders to vacate more than half a dozen migrant centers across the Big Apple over increased fears the sites could become fiery death traps, The Post has learned. Richard H. Hungerford SchoolOver the following days, according to sources, inspectors will then head to shelters or respite centers at:
- 320 West 31st Street in Manhattan
- 481 Hylan Boulevard North in Staten Island
- 746 Elton Avenue in the Bronx
- 80-45 Winchester Boulevard in Queens
- 185 East 7th Street in Manhattan
The controversial former Staten Island Catholic school, St. John’s Villa Academy, is first up on the fire department’s list, the sources said. Aristide EconomopoulosIt wasn’t immediately clear how many migrants would be affected by the impending orders or where the city plans to relocate them.
About 100 migrants had been moved into St. John Villa over recent weeks.
“The safety and security of all those in our care remains our top priority,” City Hall spokesperson Amaris Cockfield said. “Asylum seekers have undergone long and arduous journeys before their arrival in New York City, and we are committed to keeping them safe while they are staying at emergency shelters. “
About 100 migrants had been moved into St. John Villa over recent weeks. Aristide EconomopoulosThe Richard H. Hungerford School was closed by the city on Thursday due to asbestos, according to Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella.
The anticipated orders to vacate come as record numbers of migrants arrive in the Big Apple and city officials scramble to find additional makeshift shelter sites for the asylum seekers.
More than 64,100 migrants are still in the city’s care after seeing nearly 130,000 come into the Big Apple shelter system since the start of the crisis in spring 2022.
