Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) released the latest episode of “The Gray Area” video series. In this week’s episode, Gray discusses the major complications that would come with housing asylum seekers at closed correctional facilities in the 116th Assembly District following conversations held in New York City regarding this prospect—a measure being considered in an attempt to handle the influx of migrants into the state.

“The recent proposition by Mayor Adams to house asylum seekers at closed correctional facilities is troubling, especially as this opens up discussion of this possibility throughout the state, including in Watertown and Ogdensburg. This is a terrible idea to put them here—if you look over my shoulder, you’ll see fencing, razor wire and towers. Is that where we should be housing migrants? No. We are ill-prepared for this whole situation,” said Gray.

“We put $1 billion in the state budget this year to deal with the migrant situation. It's now projected to cost $12 billion. New York state cannot afford this now, and we have no plan once they get here. We have no housing for them, we do not have the capabilities in our schools to handle them. By any stretch of the imagination, this is not humanitarian. The closed correctional facilities in Watertown and Ogdensburg are not infrastructurally able to house anyone as they've been idle for quite some time. It's overall terrible execution at the city, state and federal levels,” Gray said.

“Look out for next week’s episode of The Gray Area as we continue to update you on what you care about. We always appreciate the opportunity to serve you and to work with you. Don’t hesitate to call my office staff with questions, comments or concerns—see you soon,” Gray concluded.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/OAZvgpkPtRg