In the ongoing debate over the housing of migrants in New York City, Mayor Eric Adams' own commissioner, Vilda Vera Mayuga, has circulated a petition opposing plans to erect a migrant mega shelter on Randall's Island. Mayuga, who serves as the city's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection chief and commissioner of the West Side Soccer League (WSSL), sent out an email to WSSL parents urging them to oppose the mayor's plan. The email, sent from Mayuga's WSSL account, included a link to the Change.org petition.

In response to the email, City Hall directed Mayuga to respond with her own statement. In her statement, Mayuga distanced herself from going against the mayor's migrant messaging, claiming that she only sent the email on behalf of the WSSL board. She emphasized her support for immigrants and the administration's plan to provide shelter for asylum seekers.

The petition, which had garnered over 750 signatures as of Friday, was created after it was revealed that the Adams administration planned to construct a makeshift mega shelter for 2,000 migrant men on Randall's Island. The state is expected to cover the costs of the shelter's construction, maintenance, and staffing, amounting to $20 million per month or $10,000 per asylum-seeker if all 2,000 beds are filled.

Adams stated during a briefing that the city is at its breaking point, with over 57,300 individuals in its care on an average night. He highlighted the financial strain, estimating that the migrant influx will cost a whopping $12 billion over the next three years. Currently, there are around 57,000 migrants staying in 198 emergency shelters throughout the city.

The decision to use Randall's Island for the shelter has faced significant backlash from the local sports community, including Joe Borelli, City Council Minority Leader, who claimed it would harm kids, particularly those from working-class families. The WSSL argued that erecting a shelter on the fields goes against efforts to promote sports among young New Yorkers, highlighting the importance of their programs in supporting the next generation's health and well-being.

New Yorkers have been divided over the issue, with some supporting the need to accommodate migrants and others expressing concerns about the impact on youth sports and the disruption to the community. The debate has exposed the challenges faced by the Adams administration in finding suitable shelter for the increasing number of migrants arriving in the city.

The ongoing tension between the mayor's office and the local community underscores the need for a comprehensive plan to address the influx of migrants while considering the concerns of residents. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Mayor Adams will navigate the delicate balance between accommodating asylum seekers and meeting the needs of the city's youth.