Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson has strongly criticized the administration’s decision to open a migrant shelter in the South Bronx, calling it an imposed measure that fails to address the community’s real needs.

She emphasized that the decision was made with “minimal engagement and no meaningful conversations with those who will be directly affected.”

In a statement urging for long-term solutions, Gibson stressed the need for a comprehensive housing strategy rather than relying on short-term fixes like emergency shelters.

“Instead of relying on temporary solutions like this shelter, we need a comprehensive, long-term housing strategy that tackles the root causes of homelessness and supports sustainable solutions for our borough,” she stated.

She also questioned the administration’s lack of clear plans regarding public safety, infrastructure, and the shelter’s long-term impact on residents. With a change in federal administration, she expressed concerns about the shelter’s vulnerability to immigration enforcement and whether it would bring any tangible benefits to the Bronx.

Gibson underscored the ongoing challenges the borough faces, arguing that the Bronx continues to bear a disproportionate burden of the city’s crises without adequate support.

“The South Bronx deserves more than temporary measures—we need a long-term strategy that addresses the root causes of our problems,” she said.

She called on the administration to engage with the community and work collaboratively on sustainable solutions that prioritize public safety, infrastructure, and overall community well-being.

“This is not the solution the Bronx deserves. The administration must listen to us, engage meaningfully, and work alongside us to create real, sustainable solutions,” Gibson asserted.

Her statement serves as a rallying cry for Bronx residents and stakeholders to demand better from city leadership, ensuring their voices are heard in decisions that directly impact their lives.