City wins lease renewal for Floyd Bennett Field to extend migrant shelter

September 16, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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FLOYD BENNETT FIELD — THE NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE HAS extended the City of New York’s lease for a portion of Floyd Bennett Field for one year, according to documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act. An Amendment to the Agreement between the City of New York and the State of New York, dated Sept. 13, 2024, is an extension request that responds to the State of New York’s continued emergency declaration regarding the need to continue giving shelter to migrants on this federally-owned land.

The agreement directs that New York State will reimburse the City for all necessary expenses up to $383 per bed per night for up to 2,000 beds for the migrants during the term of the lease, and that the City is to file that reimbursement request on a monthly basis. It also stipulates that, if the need for shelter and services exceeds 2,000 beds, or if the lease needs to be further extended, “the City and State shall meet to discuss in good faith further support.” The City’s signatory was First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. Commissioner of General Services Jeannette M. Moy signed for the State of New York.

Last week, the Organization for Better Communities sponsored a rally at Floyd Bennett Field to forestall the lease. Assemblymember Jaime Williams (D-59) was the keynote speaker against the lease renewal. Also present was Assemblymember Alec Brook-Krasny (R-46).

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