NYC asylum seekers sent to Sullivan, could also be headed to Poughkeepsie

MONTICELLO - Sullivan County is the latest location New York City has chosen to send some of its migrants.

The county, through the chair of its legislature, immediately issued a news release opposing the arrival of asylum seekers.

And shortly after noon, Sullivan County Manager Joshua Potosek declared a state of emergency because of the impending arrival of those migrants.

Meanwhile, New York City is reportedly negotiating with a hotel in Dutchess County to bring some migrants there this weekend.

Robert Doherty, chair of the Sullivan County Legislature and a Republican, said in the statement issued Thursday morning that New York City told the county 80 social service clients would be sent Thursday from the city to the Knights Inn in Liberty.

Doherty said the city gave the county less than 24 hours' notice to prepare for their arrival.

"Sullivan County will do what it needs to do − including availing itself of all rights and remedies provided by law − to oppose this ill-timed and poorly-planned process, while at the same time ensuring the safety of our residents and businesses, and those who come here," Doherty said.

Asked directly whether the county has or is planning to file a lawsuit in response to the arrival of the migrants, a county spokesperson would only say there would be "more to come" on the issue later Thursday.

Shortly after noon, Potosek issued his emergency declaration. He said the state of emergency was created by "the imminent arrival" of the people from New York City "for the purpose of seeking housing."

Potosek said Sullivan County is already experiencing a severe housing crisis. The county's housing stock "significantly limits its ability to provide temporary, permanent and emergency housing" to its own citizens, Potosek said.

Therefore, he concluded, the county is not capable of providing housing to people coming from outside its borders.

Potosek said the state of emergency will remain in effect for 30 days or until it is rescinded by a subsequent order.

The Knights Inn in Liberty is the fourth Hudson Valley location asylum seekers have been sent to in the last two weeks. The others are The Crossroads Hotel and the Ramada at Wyndham in the Town of Newburgh, as well as the Ramada at Wyndham in Yonkers in Westchester County.

On May 16, State Supreme Court Justice Sandra Sciortino, who's handling lawsuits against New York City brought by Orange County and the Town of Newburgh, heard arguments from attorneys and agreed to suspend the placement of asylum seekers as of 11 a.m. that day. Any migrants who were placed in Orange County hotels before then could stay.

Orange County officials were told New York City had seven buses of asylum seekers en route to Orange when the judge issued her order blocking more placements. The city is unable to drop off those asylum seekers in Orange under the court order, which extends until at least June 21.

Yonkers is accepting the asylum seekers and attempting to address social services and other needs they may encounter.

"The way (New York City), New York State and the federal government are approaching this issue is reckless and unsustainable," Doherty said. "We fear that this will displace a number of our otherwise homeless residents, who we house in this and other lodging establishments."

Doherty said he and his colleagues on the legislature do not agree with "this forced approach to a problem" that city, state and federal leaders have had years to handle.

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"By this action, they are unfairly and illegally making their problem our problem," Doherty said.

Meanwhile, Dutchess County Executive William F.X. O'Neil said in a statement released by his office Thursday afternoon that county officials were told during conversations with local hotel owners Thursday morning that negotiations are under way between New York City and owners of the Red Roof Inn to bus individuals to the Red Roof Inn on South Road in the town of Poughkeepsie on Sunday.

O'Neil's statement did not specify how many individuals would be coming.

"The safety and security of Dutchess County residents is our paramount concern, and we are issuing a state of emergency to protect the county and its residents, as we continue to research all available legal options," O'Neil's statement concluded.

Mike Randall covers breaking news for the Times Herald-Record, Poughkeepsie Journal and The Journal News/lohud. Reach him at mrandall@th-record.com or on Twitter @mikerandall845.

This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: NYC asylum seekers head to Sullivan, may also be sent to Poughkeepsie