Residents in Norfolk, Massachusetts, are upset that plans have been made to convert a former state prison into a taxpayer-funded migrant shelter without consulting them. The Bay State Correctional Center is being refurbished to accommodate migrants and homeless individuals who are currently staying at Boston’s Logan International Airport and are on the waitlist for emergency shelter programs. The shelter will be operational next month and will serve as a temporary safety-net site for families experiencing homelessness. Families staying at the facility will be required to engage in a 30-day process demonstrating progress towards obtaining work permits, jobs, and housing.
At a special Select Board meeting, approximately 300 residents voiced their concerns about the new facility opening in their town. Residents raised questions about the impact on schools, police, emergency services, and municipal budgets. Many residents expressed opposition to the shelter and criticized Gov. Maura Healey for not engaging with her electorate on this issue. Residents wore shirts and placards that read “Save Norfolk: No Shelter” and accused the state of keeping them in the dark about the plans. The shelter is part of efforts to address a surge of migrants entering the state, citing a state of emergency declared by Healey last summer.
Norfolk, a community of about 11,500 people, strongly supported President Joe Biden in the 2020 election, with 4,100 residents voting for him compared to 2,570 for former President Trump. The state is reportedly obligated to provide services to migrants under a 1983 sanctuary city law, although critics argue that the law does not apply to migrants who are not U.S. citizens. Select Board Chair Jim Lehan expressed frustration at not receiving prior notice of the shelter plans, noting that communication with the state would have been appreciated. The state plans to provide amenities like showers, bathrooms, a cafeteria, a gymnasium, and play areas for children at the shelter.
The facility in Norfolk can accommodate around 140 families, with services for case management, English language classes, and job training. Staff will be available 24/7, and families will be provided transportation on and off-site. The governor’s office plans to remove razor wire from the facility’s fence and keep gates open, allowing families free access to exit and return as needed. The cost of the entire operation is unclear at this time. A community meeting is scheduled prior to the shelter’s opening to address questions and connect with community members who may provide support to the families residing there.
During the public meeting, residents highlighted concerns about the financial burden the shelter may bring to the town, which has limited resources like two elementary schools, one ambulance, and small police and fire departments. While some residents oppose the shelter due to potential impacts on the town, others support the idea of helping migrants find better lives. The administration plans to engage with local officials and hold community meetings to address concerns and ensure support for families at the shelter. Further details, including the exact number of migrants to be accommodated and the overall cost of the operation, remain unclear.
