BY Krystle J Bailey
Dozens of concerned citizens, along with media outlets from throughout New Jersey and state legislators, gathered around the Fireman’s Memorial Plaza in Atlantic City Sept. 1 as Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson led a bipartisan press conference in opposition to a report released the day before regarding 60,000 migrants currently seeking asylum in New York.
The Bloomberg report stated, “The Biden administration has some suggestions for where New York City can house some of the 60,000 asylum seekers who recently arrived.”
Included in the list of the 11 federally owned facilities were The U.S. Army Reserve Center in Niskayuna, N.Y., Stewart Airport Camp Smith, and Atlantic City International Airport.
In response to this suggestion, Atlantic County legislators from both sides of the aisle rallied in opposition at 11 a.m. on Friday. Located 10 miles outside of Atlantic City, the Atlantic City airport serves as a base for the New Jersey Air National Guard’s 177th Fighter Wing.
“Besides the fact that we don’t have the resources and infrastructure to do this, it is a federal military base whose specific mission is to protect our region from New York City to Washington, D.C.,” shared State Sen. Vince Polistina. “How can something like this possibly be compatible with a military base that’s specific mission is to protect our East Coast and make sure we stay safe? They do not go together.”
Laura Pfrommer, mayor of Egg Harbor Township, doubled down on the opposition, stating, “We are a town of 50,000 people. The conversation to bring 60,000 people to our town is unacceptable. We don’t have the school room, we don’t have the roads, we don’t have the infrastructure, we don’t have a social services program that can handle this.”
Currently, there are no specific details from the Biden administration about plans for housing accommodations, education, or employment for the proposed migrant families. With concerns about infrastructure, safety, and security, the opposition to the proposed plan is a unanimous “no” from local officials.
“I’m happy that we are collectively up here,” stated the President of Atlantic County Mayor’s Association, Kimberly Horton. “Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, we are all united. We are a united front, and we need our voices to be heard.”
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. took to the stage in agreement, stating, “I’m happy to be here today to stand in solidarity with the other elected officials.”
Assemblyman and former Mayor of Atlantic City Don Guardian and Congressman Jeff Van Drew voiced their opinions, both in agreement that Atlantic City International Airport is not the place for 60,000 asylum seekers. While many officials expressed compassion and understanding for the individuals seeking a life in America, they all still agreed that Egg Harbor Township and Atlantic County is not equipped for the proposed accommodations.
Watch the full press conference on our Facebook – Shore Local Newsmagazine.
Photos courtesy of David Mitchell
Krystle J Bailey is a published author, multimedia journalist, copywriter, and content creator. She is a regular Shore Local columnist and digital contributor as well as the booking agent and co-host of the radio show Joe’s Table for Two on WOND. Krystle can be reached at KrystleJBailey@gmail.com
