Residents in Norfolk, Massachusetts are upset that plans to convert a former state prison into a taxpayer-funded migrant shelter were made without their consultation. The facility is being refurbished to accommodate migrants and homeless individuals currently housed at Boston’s Logan International Airport. The shelter is expected to be operational next month as a temporary safety-net site for families experiencing homelessness. The families staying at the shelter will be subject to engagement and recertification processes to work towards obtaining work permits, jobs, and housing.
During a special Select Board meeting, approximately 300 residents raised concerns about the impact of the shelter on schools, police, and emergency services. Residents believe that the town’s municipal budget is already stretched thin. Many residents expressed their opposition to the shelter, questioning the lack of transparency from state officials. Some even donned shirts and placards that read “Save Norfolk: No Shelter”. The state governor, Maura Healey, was criticized for her absence from the meeting and her handling of the migrant crisis in the state.
The Select Board Chair expressed anger at not receiving prior notice about the shelter plans. Although the state does not need permission to use the building, residents feel that partnering with the town at the beginning could have provided more clarity on the state’s plans. The state’s emergency assistance director, Scott Rice, stated that the facility has the capacity to accommodate around 140 families and will offer various amenities such as showers, bathrooms, a cafeteria, a gymnasium, and more. The facility will also have staff on-site 24/7 to assist families and provide transportation.
Residents at the meeting expressed concerns about the financial burden the shelter could bring to Norfolk, which has limited infrastructure such as schools, emergency services, and no grocery store. Some believe that the sudden increase in the town’s population by 4% is unreasonable. However, not all residents opposed the shelter, with some supporting the idea of helping migrants. The administration plans to hold a community meeting prior to the shelter’s opening to address questions and connect with community members willing to provide programming for the children in the shelters.
The state administration has already met with local officials, including the Norfolk legislative delegation, the Town Administrator, and fire and police chiefs. The administration states that the facility will be operated with transparency and will provide support for families in need. The facility will also offer educational resources for children and adults, as well as transportation services. Additionally, the razor wire on the fence will be removed, allowing families the freedom to exit and return as needed. The administration plans to answer questions and provide support to the Norfolk community as they prepare to open the shelter.
