STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Scores of people gathered in Arrochar Monday night for a victory rally following the day’s announcement that migrants housed at the former St. John Villa Academy were leaving the location after the FDNY shut it down over faulty sprinkler and alarm systems.
Hugs and handshakes were shared and a festive atmosphere prevailed along Landis Avenue — the site of several previous and raucous demonstrations at which protestors called for the city to abandon its plan to house migrants at the location.
American flags flew high and country music blared while several people in tents handed out complimentary water and slices of pizza.
Meanwhile, many in the crowd expressed similar sentiments that they weren’t anti-migrant, but were against the way the Adams administration has handled the migrant situation in the borough.
“I’m happy it finally happened,” said Mike Trollo, of Westerleigh. “Nothing against the people who were in there, our fight was against the people who put them there.”
One man using a megaphone told those gathered that the night should be considered a “victory” that was accomplished peacefully “because that’s what Staten Island does.”
“I was thrilled,” Debbie Lobaito, of Richmond, said upon hearing today’s news. “(Staten Island) is the heartbeat of America. I feel sorry (the migrants) are being used as pawns and it’s just a shame they were invited here with no resources.”
Steven, from South beach, declared the announcement of the shelter’s closing “fantastic,” before saying that it’s difficult to blame the migrants for wanting a better life, but that Adams is at fault for allowing the situation to continue with little end in sight.
While former mayoral candidate and Guardian Angel Curtis Sliwa spoke with and took photos with many attendees, the early portion of the evening was absent Staten Island elected officials.
Former mayoral candidate and Guardian Angel Curtis Sliwa speaks with a reporter at…
Read the full article here
Leave a Reply